Pildralazine
Pimavanserin', sold under the brand name Nuplazid, is an atypical antipsychotic approved for the treatment of Parkinson's disease psychosis. Unlike traditional antipsychotics, pimavanserin operates through a novel mechanism of action; it is not a dopamine receptor antagonist, which distinguishes it from other medications in its class.
Mechanism of Action
Pimavanserin works by selectively targeting 5-HT2A receptors, a type of serotonin receptor in the brain. This specificity is believed to contribute to its effectiveness in treating psychosis without the typical side effects associated with dopamine antagonism, such as movement disorders.
Indications
- Parkinson's Disease Psychosis: Pimavanserin is primarily used to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis.
- Additionally, it is under investigation for potential use in treating:
* Alzheimer's disease psychosis * Schizophrenia * Agitation * Major depressive disorder
Development and Approval
Pimavanserin represents a significant advancement in the pharmacological treatment of psychosis, particularly for patients with Parkinson's disease. Its development and subsequent approval provided a new therapeutic option for a condition that was previously difficult to manage without exacerbating motor symptoms.
Clinical Trials
Ongoing clinical trials aim to expand the understanding and potential applications of pimavanserin in other psychiatric and neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease psychosis and schizophrenia, highlighting its versatility and potential in mental health treatment.
Related Terms
- Atypical antipsychotic: A class of medication used primarily to treat psychiatric conditions, known for causing fewer extrapyramidal side effects compared to typical antipsychotics.
- 5-HT2A receptor: A subtype of serotonin receptor implicated in various neurological and psychiatric conditions.
- Psychosis: A mental condition characterized by a disconnection from reality, often involving hallucinations and delusions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pildralazine
- Wikipedia's article - Pildralazine
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