DRUG THERAPY

• Antipsychotics

  Drugs used to reduce the intensity of symptoms, in particular the positive symptoms
• Typical antipsychotics

  The first generation of drugs for schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions, having been used since the 1950s
• Atypical antipsychotics

  Drugs for schizophrenia developed after typical antipsychotics. They typically target a range of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin
• Typical antipsychotics like chlorpromazine work by acting as antagonists in the dopamine system, blocking dopamine receptors and reducing the action of dopamine
• Clozapine

  An atypical antipsychotic that binds to dopamine, serotonin and glutamate receptors, helping improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety in patients, and potentially improving cognitive functioning
• Risperidone

  An atypical antipsychotic that binds to dopamine and serotonin receptors. Risperidone binds more strongly to dopamine receptors than clozapine, so is effective in smaller doses.
• Chlorpromazine

  A typical antipsychotic that is an antagonist in the dopamine system , this reduces the action of dopamine by blocking dopamine receptors. Chlorpromazine also has sedation effects.
• People taking clozapine have regular blood tests to ensure that they are not developing ageanulocytosis. Clozapine is not available as in injection.
• What are the 3 types of antipsychotic?

  Chlorpromazine , Clozapine , Risperidone