Dopamine antagonist
Dopamine Antagonist
A Dopamine Antagonist (pronounced: doh-puh-meen an-tag-uh-nist) is a type of pharmaceutical drug that works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is a type of neurotransmitter that plays several important roles in the brain and body.
Etymology
The term "Dopamine Antagonist" is derived from the name of the neurotransmitter it affects, "dopamine", and the term "antagonist", which in pharmacology refers to a substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another.
Function
Dopamine antagonists are used in the treatment of several medical conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and nausea and vomiting. They work by blocking the action of dopamine, which can help to reduce symptoms in these conditions.
Types
There are several types of dopamine antagonists, including:
- Typical antipsychotics: These are older drugs that primarily block dopamine D2 receptors. Examples include haloperidol and chlorpromazine.
- Atypical antipsychotics: These are newer drugs that block both dopamine and serotonin receptors. Examples include risperidone and olanzapine.
- Anti-nausea drugs: Some anti-nausea drugs work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Examples include metoclopramide and prochlorperazine.
Side Effects
Like all drugs, dopamine antagonists can have side effects. These can include extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. It's important for patients to discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dopamine antagonist
- Wikipedia's article - Dopamine antagonist
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski