Dopamine receptor antagonist
Dopamine Receptor Antagonist
A Dopamine Receptor Antagonist (pronunciation: doh-puh-meen reh-sep-tor an-tag-uh-nist) is a type of drug that works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.
Etymology
The term "Dopamine Receptor Antagonist" is derived from the Greek words "dopas" meaning "to receive" and "antagonistes" meaning "opponent". This refers to the drug's ability to block the reception of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the brain's reward system.
Types of Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
There are several types of dopamine receptor antagonists, including:
- Typical antipsychotics: These are older drugs that primarily block D2 dopamine receptors. Examples include haloperidol and chlorpromazine.
- Atypical antipsychotics: These are newer drugs that block both D2 dopamine receptors and serotonin receptors. Examples include clozapine and risperidone.
Uses
Dopamine receptor antagonists are primarily used in the treatment of psychosis, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They can also be used to treat nausea and vomiting, particularly when these symptoms are caused by chemotherapy.
Side Effects
Like all drugs, dopamine receptor antagonists can have side effects. These can include extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
See Also
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