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A recent study has demonstrated that a number of anti-psychotic drugs may increase the risk of blood clots. How does that affect you? Well, even if you’re not on anti-psychotic medication, you may be prescribed these drugs to deal with more common conditions like nausea, vomiting, or vertigo. Find out more about what the study says, and how you can prevent yourself from being put at risk.

When am I at risk?

The study found that patients taking the anti-psychotic drugs increased their risk of developing a blood clot by 32 per cent. The patients most likely to suffer from this dangerous side-affect were those just starting the drugs and taking them for the first time, and those on atypical anti-psychotic medications. The risk of developing blood clots is still small, but if you’re prescribed any drug to deal with nausea, ask your doctor about the risks involved.

What if I’m already on the medication?

Patients already taking antipsychotic medication, particularly those who need it to deal with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, should not discontinue their medication. Instead, discuss your concerns with your doctor to find out whether your medication puts you at risk, and what can be done to remedy this.

Natural choices

Before you turn to anti-nausea medication, consider trying natural remedies for nausea and vomiting. Ginger and peppermint are two plants known to relieve nausea, so try a ginger or peppermint tea, or gingerale. If it’s blood clots you’re concerned about, there are natural ways to reduce your risk, too. For a start, quit smoking and get more exercise. Some good news is that having a glass of red wine daily has been shown to reduce your risk of blood clots, while eating less fat and more fibre is also helpful to your heart’s health.

Tags: exercise, Medication