All antipsychotic drugs are equally efficacious but differ dramatically in potency and side effects. Treatment choices are empiric, and there is no scientific rationale for having a patient take more than one neuroleptic at a time.

The schedule for antipsychotic administration is dependent on the clinical situation. A severely agitated, violent patient poses an immediate challenge different from that of a quiet and withdrawn catatonic.

Agitation may be rapidly controlled by neuroleptic or neuroleptic combinated with sedative-hypnotic drugs, but true antipsychotic effect will require weeks of treatment.

Neuroleptic choice is dictated by desirability or undesirability of side effects, prior history of side effects and responses, and other individual circumstances.