Atypical Antipsychotics

• Also known as second generation antipsychotics
• Administration

  Orally through tablets or syrup

  Can be administered via injection if high risk of non-compliance
• Clozapine

  Acts as an antagonist, binding to dopamine receptors - rapid dissociation leads to lower risk of EPSE’s

  Also acts on serotonin receptors (5-HT24 affinity) - relieving negative symptoms

  Blocks but does not stimulate dopamine and serotonin receptors
• Clozapine

  Helps improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety, and maybe improve cognitive functioning

  Mood enhancing effects mean its sometimes used when a person is considered high risk for suicide (30-50% of SCZ patients attempt suicide)
• Side effects

  • Weight gain
  • Risk of stroke
  • Agranulocytosis - fatal blood condition