Antipsychotic

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Phenothiazines

Antipsychotics, also known as neuroleptics or major tranquilizers, are a class of medications primarily used to manage psychosis (including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia or disordered thought), particularly in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.<ref name="MedlinePlus">

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Types

Antipsychotic medications are often grouped into two categories:

• First-Generation Antipsychotics (FGAs), also known as typical antipsychotics, are older medications, including drugs like haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and fluphenazine.<ref name="MedlinePlus"/>
• Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs), also known as atypical antipsychotics, are newer medications, including drugs like risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, and aripiprazole.<ref name="MedlinePlus"/>

Mechanism of Action

Antipsychotics work by altering the effects of certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are involved in mood and behavior.<ref name="MedlinePlus"/>

Indications

Antipsychotics are used in the management of several mental health disorders, such as:

• Schizophrenia
• Severe bipolar disorder
• Unipolar major depression
• Psychotic depression
• Certain personality disorders
• Tourette syndrome

In some cases, they can also be used to treat aggression and agitation in dementia.<ref name="MedlinePlus"/> Side Effects Like all medications, antipsychotics can cause side effects. Common side effects can include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Restlessness
• Weight gain (especially with second-generation antipsychotics)
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision<ref name="MedlinePlus"/>

In rare cases, long-term use of antipsychotics can lead to a condition known as tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary movements.<ref name="MedlinePlus"/>

See Also

• Psychosis
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Antidepressants
• Mood stabilizers

References

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