Atypical antipsychotics

Atypical antipsychotics also known as second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are a group of antipsychotic drugs used primarily for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. They are called "atypical" to differentiate them from the first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs), also known as typical antipsychotics.

History

Atypical antipsychotics were first introduced in the 1970s, with the development of clozapine, a drug that was found to have fewer extrapyramidal side effects than earlier antipsychotics. This marked a significant shift in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.

Mechanism of action

Atypical antipsychotics work by blocking receptors in the brain's dopamine pathways. While typical antipsychotics are dopamine antagonists, atypical antipsychotics are usually serotonin-dopamine antagonists. They have a high affinity for serotonin receptors and a lower affinity for dopamine receptors.

Uses

Atypical antipsychotics are used in the treatment of a variety of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. They may also be used off-label for conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Side effects

While atypical antipsychotics have fewer extrapyramidal side effects than typical antipsychotics, they are not without their own side effects. These can include weight gain, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. Some atypical antipsychotics can also cause tardive dyskinesia, a serious movement disorder.

Examples

Examples of atypical antipsychotics include risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone, and aripiprazole. Each of these drugs has a unique profile of effects and side effects.

See also

• First-generation antipsychotics
• Pharmacology
• Psychiatry