Antidopaminergic
An overview of antidopaminergic drugs and their uses in medicine
Antidopaminergic drugs are a class of medications that block dopamine receptors in the brain. These drugs are primarily used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as in the management of nausea and vomiting.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Antidopaminergic drugs work by antagonizing dopamine receptors, particularly the D2 subtype, in the central nervous system. By blocking these receptors, they reduce the effects of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, reward, and motor control. This action is beneficial in conditions where dopamine activity is abnormally high, such as in schizophrenia.
Clinical Uses[edit | edit source]
Psychiatric Disorders[edit | edit source]
Antidopaminergic drugs are commonly used as antipsychotic medications. They are effective in reducing symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions, in disorders like schizophrenia. These drugs can be classified into typical and atypical antipsychotics, with atypical antipsychotics having a broader spectrum of receptor activity and often fewer side effects.
Nausea and Vomiting[edit | edit source]
These drugs are also used as antiemetics to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. They are particularly useful in the context of chemotherapy-induced nausea and postoperative nausea.
Other Uses[edit | edit source]
In addition to their primary uses, antidopaminergic drugs may be used in the treatment of Tourette syndrome, Huntington's disease, and as adjuncts in the management of bipolar disorder.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Common side effects of antidopaminergic drugs include sedation, weight gain, and metabolic changes. Long-term use can lead to more serious side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive body movements. Other potential side effects include extrapyramidal symptoms, which are drug-induced movement disorders.
Examples of Antidopaminergic Drugs[edit | edit source]
Also see[edit | edit source]
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