Atypical antipsychotic

An overview of atypical antipsychotics in psychiatry

Atypical Antipsychotics

Atypical antipsychotics, also known as second-generation antipsychotics, are a class of antipsychotic drugs used primarily to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They are called "atypical" because they differ from the older, first-generation antipsychotics in their chemical structure and side effect profile.

Chemical structure of Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic

Mechanism of Action

Atypical antipsychotics work by modulating the activity of various neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin. Unlike typical antipsychotics, which primarily block dopamine D2 receptors, atypical antipsychotics have a broader mechanism of action, affecting multiple receptor types. This broader action is thought to contribute to their efficacy and reduced risk of certain side effects.

Common Atypical Antipsychotics

Some of the most commonly prescribed atypical antipsychotics include:

• Clozapine
• Risperidone
• Olanzapine
• Quetiapine
• Aripiprazole

Clozapine

Clozapine is often considered the prototype atypical antipsychotic. It is particularly effective in treatment-resistant schizophrenia but requires regular monitoring due to the risk of agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening decrease in white blood cells.

Side Effects

While atypical antipsychotics are associated with a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms compared to typical antipsychotics, they can still cause side effects such as:

• Weight gain
• Metabolic syndrome
• Sedation
• Hyperprolactinemia

Clinical Use

Atypical antipsychotics are used in the management of various psychiatric conditions, including:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depressive disorder (as adjunctive therapy)
• Autism spectrum disorder (for irritability)

Related pages

• Antipsychotic
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Neurotransmitter