A01

• What are antipsychotics?

  Drugs used to reduce the intensity of positive symptoms of psychotic conditions
• What are the two types of antipsychotics?

  Typical and atypical
• What are typical antipsychotics?

  • The first generation of antipsychotic drugs (1950s)
  • They target dopamine reducing the positive symptoms of schizophrenia
  • Can produce movement side effects
• What are atypical antipsychotics?

  • The second generation of antipsychotic drugs
  • They target dopamine and serotonin, reducing positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia
• How do typical antipsychotic drugs work?

  They act as dopamine antagonists (work against dopamine) in that they bind to dopamine receptors at the postsynaptic neuron and block the action of dopamine
• What is a dopamine antagonist?

  Something that works against dopamine
• How do atypical antipsychotic drugs work?

  Also act as dopamine antagonists but they also block the action of serotonin
• What is an example of a typical antipsychotic?

  Chlorpromazine
• What are 2 examples of an atypical antipsychotic?

  Clozapine and Risperidone
• Which type of antipsychotic causes severe side effects?

  Typical antipsychotics
• How is the typical antipsychotic chlorpromazine taken?

  Injection, syrup or tablet form
• How does the typical antipsychotic chlorpromazine work?

  • Antagonist in the dopamine system by reducing the action of the neurotransmitter
  • The dopamine receptors are blocked in the synapses reducing the action of dopamine
  • Also works as a sedative - links to histamine receptors and reduces anxiety
  • Can also treat manic depression and nausea
• What are the side effects of the typical antipsychotic chlorpromazine?

  • Dizziness
  • Blank expression
  • Restlessness
  • Shuffled walking
  • Agitation
  • Tardive dyskinesia (longterm use)
  • Most serious side effect (0.1-2%) - neuroleptic malignant syndrome (high temp, delirium coma then death)
• How is the atypical antipsychotic clozapine taken?

  Drug form (not as an injection as it can be fatal)
• How does the atypical antipsychotic clozapine work?

  • Binds to dopamine receptors but also acts on serotonin receptors, helping to improve mood and depression
  • Enhances cognitive functioning
  • Prescribed for those at risk of suicide
• What are the side effects of the atypical antipsychotic clozapine?

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Vision problems
  • Weight gain
• How is the atypical antipsychotic risperidone taken?

  Injection, syrup or drug form
• How does the atypical antipsychotic risperidone work?

  • Was produced as an alternative to clozapine without the serious side effects
  • Binds strongly to dopamine and serotonin receptors and is effective in smaller doses than most other antipsychotics
• What are the side effects of the atypical antipsychotic risperidone?

  • Generally fewer side effects than other antipsychotic drugs
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, heart burn