Lots of good points from everyone who has responded to your post thus far.

I've been taking at least one antipsychotic (sometimes more) without a break for the last 15 years. My memory and information processing are just fine. I'm definitely not experiencing dementia.

Antipsychotics, like many different types of medications, have their side effects. Sometimes very obnoxious ones. I've experienced my share. Weight gain, sedation, hyperprolactinemia, akathisia, dystonia, increased chance of high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and high glucose levels. Sound bad? Yea, but not all antipsychotics caused these things. Some, only one or two. You sometimes have to see which one(s) does/do or don't. Some side effects go away. Others you can work to fight off.

I will say this. My life would be so much harder and I would be so much sicker if I didn't have antipsychotics. They keep me out of the hospital and sane! Lithium and/or anticonvulsants alone can't.

Right now I'm on an antipsychotic that is almost a perfect medication for me. My side effects on it are very minimal. In fact, perhaps nil. I say that because my cholesterol could be just as high at my age than without medications. I could definitely weigh what I weigh now without meds. Beyond that I'm fine.

You say you don't have bipolar disorder. Is that what your psychiatrist says? Or even if you don't have bipolar disorder, do you (or have you) had symptoms that an antipsychotic might best alleviate?

There are many people with major depressive disorder that do best on an antipsychotic, with or without an antidepressant. That is something a psychiatrist can determine. They have experience prescribing these meds. They have experience with patients with varying mental health situations and know they have unique needs.