What is the most commonly used treatment for schizophrenia?
The most commonly used treatment for schizophrenia is antipsychotic medication
The most common treatment for schizophrenia involves the use of antipsychotic drugs.
How can antipsychotic drugs be taken?
Antipsychotic drugs can be taken as tablets or in the form of syrup
The most common treatment for schizophrenia involves the use of antipsychotic drugs.
Antipsychotic drugs can be taken as tablets or in the form of syrup.
For those particularly at risk of failing to take their medication regularly,
For those particularly at risk of failing to take their medication regularly, some antipsychotics are available as injections given every 2 - 4 weeks
The most common treatment for schizophrenia involves the use of antipsychotic drugs.
Antipsychotic drugs can be taken as tablets or in the form of syrup.
For those particularly at risk of failing to take their medication regularly, some antipsychotics are available as injections given every 2 - 4 weeks.
Antipsychotics may be required in the short or long term.
Some patients can take a short course of antipsychotics and then
Some patients can take a short course of antipsychotics and then stop their use without the return of symptoms
The most common treatment for schizophrenia involves the use of antipsychotic drugs.
Antipsychotic drugs can be taken as tablets or in the form of syrup.
For those particularly at risk of failing to take their medication regularly, some antipsychotics are available as injections given every 2 - 4 weeks.
Antipsychotics may be required in the short or long term.
Some patients can take a short course of antipsychotics and then stop their use without the return of symptoms.
Other patients may require
Other patients may require antipsychotics for life or face the likelihood of a recurrence of schizophrenia
The most common treatment for schizophrenia involves the use of antipsychotic drugs.
Antipsychotic drugs can be taken as tablets or in the form of syrup.
For those particularly at risk of failing to take their medication regularly, some antipsychotics are available as injections given every 2 - 4 weeks.
Antipsychotics may be required in the short or long term.
Some patients can take a short course of antipsychotics and then stop their use without the return of symptoms.
Other patients may require antipsychotics for life or face the likelihood of a recurrence of schizophrenia.
What can antipsychotics be divided into?
Antipsychotics can be divided into:
1. Older typical (traditional) drugs
Or,
2. Newer atypical (second-generation) drugs
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics are drugs used to reduce the intensity of symptoms, in particular the positive symptoms of psychotic conditions like schizophrenia
Typical antipsychotics
Typical antipsychotics are the first generation of antipsychotic drugs, having been used since the 1950s
Typical antipsychotics are the first generation of antipsychotic drugs, having been used since the 1950s.
How do typical antipsychotics work?
Typical antipsychotics work as dopamine antagonists
Typical antipsychotics are the first generation of antipsychotic drugs, having been used since the 1950s.
Typical antipsychotics work as dopamine antagonists and include what?
Typical antipsychotics work as dopamine antagonist and include Chlorpromazine
Atypical antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychotics are drugs for schizophrenia (a psychotic disorder) developed after typical antipsychotics.
Atypical antipsychotics typically target a range of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin
Atypical antipsychotics are drugs for schizophrenia (a psychotic disorder) developed after typical antipsychotics.
Atypical antipsychotics typically target a range of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.
What do examples of atypical antipsychotics include?
Examples of atypical antipsychotics include Clozapine and Risperidone
What does Chlorpromazine do?
Chlorpromazine acts as a dopamine antagonist - it acts against dopamine
Chlorpromazine acts as a dopamine antagonist - it acts against dopamine.
Example
For example, by blocking dopamine receptors at the postsynaptic neuron
Typical antipsychotics have been around since the 1950s and include Chlorpromazine.
How can Chlorpromazine be taken?
Chlorpromazine can be taken as tablets, syrup or by injection
Typical antipsychotics have been around since the 1950s and include Chlorpromazine.
Chlorpromazine can be taken as tablets, syrup or by injection.
If taken orally,
If taken orally, Chlorpromazine is administered daily up to a maximum of 1000mg
Typical antipsychotics have been around since the 1950s and include Chlorpromazine.
Chlorpromazine can be taken as tablets, syrup or by injection.
If taken orally, Chlorpromazine is administered daily up to a maximum of 1000mg, but
If taken orally, Chlorpromazine is administered daily up to a maximum of 1000mg, but initially doses are much smaller and for most patients the dosage is gradually increased to a maximum of 400 to 800mg
Typical antipsychotics have been around since the 1950s and include Chlorpromazine.
Chlorpromazine can be taken as tablets, syrup or by injection.
If taken orally, Chlorpromazine is administered daily up to a maximum of 1000mg, but initially doses are much smaller and for most patients the dosage is gradually increased to a maximum of 400 to 800mg.
According to Liu and de Haan (2009),
According to Liu and de Haan (2009), typical prescribed doses have declined over the last 50 years
Typical antipsychotics have been around since the 1950s and include Chlorpromazine.
Chlorpromazine can be taken as tablets, syrup or by injection.
If taken orally, Chlorpromazine is administered daily up to a maximum of 1000mg, but initially doses are much smaller and for most patients the dosage is gradually increased to a maximum of 400 to 800mg.
According to Liu and de Haan (2009), typical prescribed doses have declined over the last 50 years.
What is there a strong association between?
There is a strong association between the use of typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine and the dopamine hypothesis
There is a strong association between the use of typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine and the dopamine hypothesis.
How do typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine work by doing?
Typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine work by acting as antagonists in the dopamine system
There is a strong association between the use of typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine and the dopamine hypothesis.
Typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine work by acting as antagonists in the dopamine system.
Antagonists
Antagonists are chemicals which reduce the action of a neurotransmitter
There is a strong association between the use of typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine and the dopamine hypothesis.
Typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine work by acting as antagonists in the dopamine system.
Antagonists are chemicals which reduce the action of a neurotransmitter.
How do dopamine antagonists work?
Dopamine antagonists work by blocking dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain, reducing the action of dopamine
There is a strong association between the use of typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine and the dopamine hypothesis.
Typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine work by acting as antagonists in the dopamine system.
Antagonists are chemicals which reduce the action of a neurotransmitter.
Dopamine antagonists work by blocking dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain, reducing the action of dopamine.
Initially when a patient begins taking Chlorpromazine,
Initially when a patient begins taking Chlorpromazine, dopamine levels build up
There is a strong association between the use of typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine and the dopamine hypothesis.
Typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine work by acting as antagonists in the dopamine system.
Antagonists are chemicals which reduce the action of a neurotransmitter.
Dopamine antagonists work by blocking dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain, reducing the action of dopamine.
Initially when a patient begins taking Chlorpromazine, dopamine levels build up, but then what?
Initially when a patient begins taking Chlorpromazine, dopamine levels build up, but then its production is reduced
There is a strong association between the use of typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine and the dopamine hypothesis.
Typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine work by acting as antagonists in the dopamine system.
Antagonists are chemicals which reduce the action of a neurotransmitter.
Dopamine antagonists work by blocking dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain, reducing the action of dopamine.
Initially when a patient begins taking Chlorpromazine, dopamine levels build up, but then its production is reduced.
According to the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia, what does this dopamine-antagonist effect do?
According to the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia, this dopamine-antagonist effect normalises neurotransmission in key areas of the brain
There is a strong association between the use of typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine and the dopamine hypothesis.
Typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine work by acting as antagonists in the dopamine system.
Antagonists are chemicals which reduce the action of a neurotransmitter.
Dopamine antagonists work by blocking dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain, reducing the action of dopamine.
Initially when a patient begins taking Chlorpromazine, dopamine levels build up, but then its production is reduced.
According to the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia, this dopamine-antagonist effect normalises neurotransmission in key areas of the brain, which does what?
According to the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia, this dopamine-antagonist effect normalises neurotransmission in key areas of the brain, which reduces symptoms like hallucinations
There is a strong association between the use of typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine and the dopamine hypothesis.
Typical antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine work by acting as antagonists in the dopamine system.
Antagonists are chemicals which reduce the action of a neurotransmitter.
Dopamine antagonists work by blocking dopamine receptors in the synapses of the brain, reducing the action of dopamine.
Initially when a patient begins taking Chlorpromazine, dopamine levels build up, but then its production is reduced.
According to the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia, this dopamine-antagonist effect normalises neurotransmission in key areas of the brain, which reduces symptoms like hallucinations.
As well as having antipsychotic properties, what is Chlorpromazine also?
As well as having antipsychotic properties, Chlorpromazine is also an effective sedative
As well as having antipsychotic properties, Chlorpromazine is also an effective sedative.
What is this believed to be related to?
This is believed to be related to its effect on histamine receptors
As well as having antipsychotic properties, Chlorpromazine is also an effective sedative.
This is believed to be related to its effect on histamine receptors, but what is not fully understood?
This is believed to be related to its effect on histamine receptors, but it is not fully understood how this leads to sedation
As well as having antipsychotic properties, Chlorpromazine is also an effective sedative.
This is believed to be related to its effect on histamine receptors, but it is not fully understood how this leads to sedation.
What is often used to calm patients, not only with schizophrenia, but also with other conditions?
Chlorpromazine is often used to calm patients, not only with schizophrenia, but also with other conditions
As well as having antipsychotic properties, Chlorpromazine is also an effective sedative.
This is believed to be related to its effect on histamine receptors, but it is not fully understood how this leads to sedation.
Chlorpromazine is often used to calm patients, not only with schizophrenia, but also with other conditions.
When has this often been done?
This has often been done when patients are first admitted to hospitals and are very anxious
As well as having antipsychotic properties, Chlorpromazine is also an effective sedative.
This is believed to be related to its effect on histamine receptors, but it is not fully understood how this leads to sedation.
Chlorpromazine is often used to calm patients, not only with schizophrenia, but also with other conditions.
This has often been done when patients are first admitted to hospitals and are very anxious.
Syrup
Syrup is absorbed faster than tablets
As well as having antipsychotic properties, Chlorpromazine is also an effective sedative.
This is believed to be related to its effect on histamine receptors, but it is not fully understood how this leads to sedation.
Chlorpromazine is often used to calm patients, not only with schizophrenia, but also with other conditions.
This has often been done when patients are first admitted to hospitals and are very anxious.
Syrup is absorbed faster than tablets, so
Syrup is absorbed faster than tablets, so it tends to be used when Chlorpromazine is used for its sedative properties
Since when have atypical antipyschotics been used?
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
What was the aim in developing newer antipsychotics?
The aim in developing newer antipsychotics was to:
- Maintain or improve upon the effectiveness of drugs in suppressing the symptoms of psychosis
- Also minimise the side effects
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
The aim in developing newer antipsychotics was to maintain or improve upon the effectiveness of drugs in suppressing the symptoms of psychosis and also minimise the side effects.
There are a range of atypical antipsychotics and they do not all
There are a range of atypical antipsychotics and they do not all work in the same way
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
The aim in developing newer antipsychotics was to maintain or improve upon the effectiveness of drugs in suppressing the symptoms of psychosis and also minimise the side effects.
There are a range of atypical antipsychotics and they do not all work in the same way.
In fact,
In fact, we do not know how some of them work
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Clozapine:
When was Clozapine developed?
Clozapine was developed in the 1960s
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Clozapine:
Clozapine was developed in the 1960s and first trialled when?
Clozapine was developed in the 1960s and first trialled in the early 1970s
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Clozapine:
Clozapine was developed in the 1960s and first trialled in the early 1970s.
It was withdrawn for a while in the 1970s following
It was withdrawn for a while in the 1970s following the deaths of some patients from a blood condition called agranulocytosis
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Clozapine:
Clozapine was developed in the 1960s and first trialled in the early 1970s.
It was withdrawn for a while in the 1970s following the deaths of some patients from a blood condition called agranulocytosis.
However,
However, Clozapine remarketed as a treatment for schizophrenia in the 1980s to be used when other treatments failed, as it was discovered to be more effective than typical antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Clozapine:
Clozapine was developed in the 1960s and first trialled in the early 1970s.
It was withdrawn for a while in the 1970s following the deaths of some patients from a blood condition called agranulocytosis.
However, Clozapine remarketed as a treatment for schizophrenia in the 1980s to be used when other treatments failed, as it was discovered to be more effective than typical antipsychotics.
It is still used in this way today, and people taking it
It is still used in this way today, and people taking it have regular blood tests to ensure they are not developing agranulocytosis
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Clozapine:
Clozapine was developed in the 1960s and first trialled in the early 1970s.
It was withdrawn for a while in the 1970s following the deaths of some patients from a blood condition called agranulocytosis.
However, Clozapine remarketed as a treatment for schizophrenia in the 1980s to be used when other treatments failed, as it was discovered to be more effective than typical antipsychotics.
It is still used in this way today, and people taking it have regular blood tests to ensure they are not developing agranulocytosis.
Because of its potentially fatal side effects, Clozapine
Because of its potentially fatal side effects, Clozapine is not available as an injection
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Clozapine:
Clozapine was developed in the 1960s and first trialled in the early 1970s.
It was withdrawn for a while in the 1970s following the deaths of some patients from a blood condition called agranulocytosis.
However, Clozapine remarketed as a treatment for schizophrenia in the 1980s to be used when other treatments failed, as it was discovered to be more effective than typical antipsychotics.
It is still used in this way today, and people taking it have regular blood tests to ensure they are not developing agranulocytosis.
Because of its potentially fatal side effects, Clozapine is not available as an injection.
Daily dosage is a little lower than for
Daily dosage is a little lower than for Chlorpromazine, as typically 300 to 450mg a day
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Clozapine:
Clozapine was developed in the 1960s and first trialled in the early 1970s.
It was withdrawn for a while in the 1970s following the deaths of some patients from a blood condition called agranulocytosis.
However, Clozapine remarketed as a treatment for schizophrenia in the 1980s to be used when other treatments failed, as it was discovered to be more effective than typical antipsychotics.
It is still used in this way today, and people taking it have regular blood tests to ensure they are not developing agranulocytosis.
Because of its potentially fatal side effects, Clozapine is not available as an injection.
Daily dosage is a little lower than for Chlorpromazine, as typically 300 to 450mg a day.
Clozapine binds to
Clozapine binds to dopamine receptors in the same way that Chlorpromazine does, but it also acts on serotonin and glutamate receptors
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Clozapine:
Clozapine was developed in the 1960s and first trialled in the early 1970s.
It was withdrawn for a while in the 1970s following the deaths of some patients from a blood condition called agranulocytosis.
However, Clozapine remarketed as a treatment for schizophrenia in the 1980s to be used when other treatments failed, as it was discovered to be more effective than typical antipsychotics.
It is still used in this way today, and people taking it have regular blood tests to ensure they are not developing agranulocytosis.
Because of its potentially fatal side effects, Clozapine is not available as an injection.
Daily dosage is a little lower than for Chlorpromazine, as typically 300 to 450mg a day.
Clozapine binds to dopamine receptors in the same way that Chlorpromazine does, but it also acts on serotonin and glutamate receptors.
What is it believed that this action does?
It is believed that this action:
- Helps improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety in patients
- It may improve cognitive functioning
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Clozapine:
Clozapine was developed in the 1960s and first trialled in the early 1970s.
It was withdrawn for a while in the 1970s following the deaths of some patients from a blood condition called agranulocytosis.
However, Clozapine remarketed as a treatment for schizophrenia in the 1980s to be used when other treatments failed, as it was discovered to be more effective than typical antipsychotics.
It is still used in this way today, and people taking it have regular blood tests to ensure they are not developing agranulocytosis.
Because of its potentially fatal side effects, Clozapine is not available as an injection.
Daily dosage is a little lower than for Chlorpromazine, as typically 300 to 450mg a day.
Clozapine binds to dopamine receptors in the same way that Chlorpromazine does, but it also acts on serotonin and glutamate receptors.
It is believed that this action helps improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety in patients and it may improve cognitive functioning.
What do the mood-enhancing effects of Clozapine mean?
The mood-enhancing effects of Clozapine mean that it is sometimes prescribed when a patient is considered at high risk of suicide
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Clozapine:
Clozapine was developed in the 1960s and first trialled in the early 1970s.
It was withdrawn for a while in the 1970s following the deaths of some patients from a blood condition called agranulocytosis.
However, Clozapine remarketed as a treatment for schizophrenia in the 1980s to be used when other treatments failed, as it was discovered to be more effective than typical antipsychotics.
It is still used in this way today, and people taking it have regular blood tests to ensure they are not developing agranulocytosis.
Because of its potentially fatal side effects, Clozapine is not available as an injection.
Daily dosage is a little lower than for Chlorpromazine, as typically 300 to 450mg a day.
Clozapine binds to dopamine receptors in the same way that Chlorpromazine does, but it also acts on serotonin and glutamate receptors.
It is believed that this action helps improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety in patients and it may improve cognitive functioning.
The mood-enhancing effects of Clozapine mean that it is sometimes prescribed when a patient is considered at high risk of suicide.
Why is this important?
This is important, because 30 to 50% of people suffering from schizophrenia attempt suicide at some point
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Risperidone:
Risperidone is a more what atypical antipsychotic?
Risperidone is a more recently developed atypical antipsychotic
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Risperidone:
Risperidone is a more recently developed atypical antipsychotic, having been around since when?
Risperidone is a more recently developed atypical antipsychotic, having been around since the 1990s
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Risperidone:
Risperidone is a more recently developed atypical antipsychotic, having been around since the 1990s.
Why was it developed?
It was developed in an attempt to produce a drug as effective as Clozapine, but without its serious side effects
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Risperidone:
Risperidone is a more recently developed atypical antipsychotic, having been around since the 1990s.
It was developed in an attempt to produce a drug as effective as Clozapine, but without its serious side effects.
Like Chlorpromazine, risperidone
Like Chlorpromazine, Risperidone can be taken in the form of tablets, syrup or an injection that lasts for around 2 weeks
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Risperidone:
Risperidone is a more recently developed atypical antipsychotic, having been around since the 1990s.
It was developed in an attempt to produce a drug as effective as Clozapine, but without its serious side effects.
Like Chlorpromazine, Risperidone can be taken in the form of tablets, syrup or an injection that lasts for around 2 weeks.
Common with other antipsychotics,
Common with other antipsychotics, a small dose is initially given and this is built up to a typical daily dose of 4 - 8mg and a maximum of 12mg
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Risperidone:
Risperidone is a more recently developed atypical antipsychotic, having been around since the 1990s.
It was developed in an attempt to produce a drug as effective as Clozapine, but without its serious side effects.
Like Chlorpromazine, Risperidone can be taken in the form of tablets, syrup or an injection that lasts for around 2 weeks.
Common with other antipsychotics, a small dose is initially given and this is built up to a typical daily dose of 4 - 8mg and a maximum of 12mg.
Like Clozapine, what is Risperidone believed to bind to?
Like Clozapine, Risperidone is believed to bind to dopamine and serotonin receptors
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Risperidone:
Risperidone is a more recently developed atypical antipsychotic, having been around since the 1990s.
It was developed in an attempt to produce a drug as effective as Clozapine, but without its serious side effects.
Like Chlorpromazine, Risperidone can be taken in the form of tablets, syrup or an injection that lasts for around 2 weeks.
Common with other antipsychotics, a small dose is initially given and this is built up to a typical daily dose of 4 - 8mg and a maximum of 12mg.
Like Clozapine, Risperidone is believed to bind to dopamine and serotonin receptors.
Risperidone binds
Risperidone binds more strongly to dopamine receptors than Clozapine
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Risperidone:
Risperidone is a more recently developed atypical antipsychotic, having been around since the 1990s.
It was developed in an attempt to produce a drug as effective as Clozapine, but without its serious side effects.
Like Chlorpromazine, Risperidone can be taken in the form of tablets, syrup or an injection that lasts for around 2 weeks.
Common with other antipsychotics, a small dose is initially given and this is built up to a typical daily dose of 4 - 8mg and a maximum of 12mg.
Like Clozapine, Risperidone is believed to bind to dopamine and serotonin receptors.
Risperidone binds more strongly to dopamine receptors than Clozapine and is therefore
Risperidone binds more strongly to dopamine receptors than Clozapine and is therefore effective in much smaller doses than most antipsychotics
Atypical antipsychotics have been used since the 1970s.
Risperidone:
Risperidone is a more recently developed atypical antipsychotic, having been around since the 1990s.
It was developed in an attempt to produce a drug as effective as Clozapine, but without its serious side effects.
Like Chlorpromazine, Risperidone can be taken in the form of tablets, syrup or an injection that lasts for around 2 weeks.
Common with other antipsychotics, a small dose is initially given and this is built up to a typical daily dose of 4 - 8mg and a maximum of 12mg.
Like Clozapine, Risperidone is believed to bind to dopamine and serotonin receptors.
Risperidone binds more strongly to dopamine receptors than Clozapine and is therefore effective in much smaller doses than most antipsychotics.
What is there some evidence to suggest?
There is some evidence to suggest that this leads to fewer side effects than is typical for antipsychotics
How do typical antipsychotics, for example chlorpromazine, work?
Typical antipsychotics, for example chlorpromazine, are dopamine antagonists, so they bind to (and so block) dopamine receptors but don’t stimulate them, reducing the action of dopamine
Typical antipsychotics, for example chlorpromazine, are dopamine antagonists, so they bind to (and so block) dopamine receptors but don’t stimulate them, reducing the action of dopamine.
Initially,
Initially, dopamine levels build up, but then dopamine production is reduced
Typical antipsychotics, for example chlorpromazine, are dopamine antagonists, so they bind to (and so block) dopamine receptors but don’t stimulate them, reducing the action of dopamine.
Initially, dopamine levels build up, but then dopamine production is reduced.
What does this do?
This normalises neurotransmission in key areas of the brain, by reducing stimulation of the dopamine system
Typical antipsychotics, for example chlorpromazine, are dopamine antagonists, so they bind to (and so block) dopamine receptors but don’t stimulate them, reducing the action of dopamine.
Initially, dopamine levels build up, but then dopamine production is reduced.
This normalises neurotransmission in key areas of the brain, by reducing stimulation of the dopamine system, which does what?
This normalises neurotransmission in key areas of the brain, by reducing stimulation of the dopamine system, which reduces positive symptoms such as hallucinations
How do atypical antipsychotics, for example clozapine and risperidone, work?
Atypical antipsychotics, for example clozapine and risperidone, also block dopamine receptors like typical antipsychotics, but they only temporarily occupy the receptors and then rapidly dissociate to allow normal dopamine transmission
Atypical antipsychotics, for example clozapine and risperidone, also block dopamine receptors like typical antipsychotics, but they only temporarily occupy the receptors and then rapidly dissociate to allow normal dopamine transmission.
What is this thought to do be responsible for?
This is thought to be responsible for fewer side effects
Atypical antipsychotics, for example clozapine and risperidone, also block dopamine receptors like typical antipsychotics, but they only temporarily occupy the receptors and then rapidly dissociate to allow normal dopamine transmission.
This is thought to be responsible for fewer side effects.
What do atypical antipsychotics also do?
Atypical antipsychotics also act on other neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin
Atypical antipsychotics, for example clozapine and risperidone, also block dopamine receptors like typical antipsychotics, but they only temporarily occupy the receptors and then rapidly dissociate to allow normal dopamine transmission.
This is thought to be responsible for fewer side effects.
Atypical antipsychotics also act on other neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin.
Which symptoms do atypical antipsychotics address?
Atypical antipsychotics address negative symptoms, for example avolition, as well as positive symptoms
How do all antipsychotics work?
All antipsychotics work by reducing dopaminergic transmission, which is reducing the actions of the neurotransmitter dopamine in areas of the brain associated with the symptoms of schizophrenia