Typical antipsychotic

Chemical structure of chlorpromazine

Loxapine, a typical antipsychotic

Advertisement for Thorazine, a brand of chlorpromazine

Typical antipsychotics, also known as first-generation antipsychotics, are a class of antipsychotic drugs primarily used to manage psychosis, including schizophrenia. They were first developed in the 1950s and have been used extensively in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.

History

The first typical antipsychotic, chlorpromazine, was discovered in 1950. It was initially used as an anesthetic but was found to have calming effects on patients with severe mental disorders. This discovery led to the development of other typical antipsychotics, which became the standard treatment for psychosis for several decades.

Mechanism of Action

Typical antipsychotics primarily work by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain. This action reduces the effects of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with mood and behavior, which is thought to be overactive in individuals with psychosis.

Uses

Typical antipsychotics are used to treat a variety of psychiatric conditions, including:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Severe depression with psychotic features
• Tourette syndrome

Side Effects

While effective, typical antipsychotics are associated with a range of side effects, including:

• Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as tremors and rigidity
• Tardive dyskinesia, a condition involving involuntary movements
• Sedation
• Weight gain

Examples

Some common typical antipsychotics include:

• Chlorpromazine
• Haloperidol
• Loxapine

Related Pages

• Atypical antipsychotic
• Psychiatry
• Neurotransmitter

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