<<<<<<< HEAD ======= >>>>>>> 8d85671 (AGHK-47821 - CPRA implementation) Schizoaffective Disorder Medication Options | Choices in Recovery
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Schizoaffective Disorder Medication Options for Adults

Learn about the medication options, how they’re used, and how they differ. You may want to discuss one or more options in more detail with your mental health prescriber.

Partner with your treatment team when making choices about medication management.



Every patient with schizoaffective disorder has unique needs. There are 3 main classes of medications used to treat schizoaffective disorder.

Antipsychotic Medications are used to help manage symptoms of schizoaffective disorder.


Mood Stabilizers are medications used to treat and prevent mood extremes such as highs (mania) and lows (depression). Some mood stabilizers are specific to treating mania, while others are specific to depression. Some treat both.


Antidepressants are medicines used to treat or help reduce symptoms associated with mood and emotion. There are many types of antidepressant medications that work differently and treat different types of symptoms.

Next, here are the different dosing and administration options for injectable and oral antipsychotic medications.

  • Injectable Antipsychotic Medications

    Long-acting injectable antipsychotic medications (LAIs) are given monthly, or less frequently.

    Short acting antipsychotic (SAIs) medications may be used to help manage acute psychotic episodes.

    Long-acting Injectables

    • Are administered in a prescriber’s office, hospital, or, in some states, a pharmacy setting
    • Get absorbed slowly into the body over time
    • Allow longer periods of time between doses
  • Oral Antipsychotic Medications

    Tablets, capsules, and oral solutions are medications taken directly.

    Oral medications

    • Need to be taken daily
    • Come in varying doses

What Else to Consider

Your provider may ask you or provide you details about the following to find the best medication options for you

  • Medical history, including hospitalizations
  • Expectations about how medication(s) could help
  • Potential risks and side effects
  • Clear direction about how to take the medication
  • Financial considerations

No matter where you are on your recovery journey, work closely with a mental health prescriber and the other members of your treatment team to find the best options for your unique needs.

For more information about a specific long-acting medication, click here.

What’s next?

Learn About Supportive Treatment Information