How do typical antipsychotics work?
Bind mainly to the D2 receptors in the brain.
Strong affinity to D2 receptors- blocks dopamine by binding to receptor sites for a long period of time. Reduces the activity of the post-synaptic neuron.
leads to an increase of DA released from the pre-synaptic neuron to begin with, until the DA levels in the vesicles are depleted, and there is a reduction of DA in the synapse.
A reduction in DA in areas like the mesolimbic pathway through taking typical antipsychotics leads to the reduction in positive symptoms.