Antipsychotic

Definition

Antipsychotics are medications used to manage and treat symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. They are primarily used in conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antipsychotics are classified into typical (first-generation) and atypical (second-generation) categories.
2. Typical antipsychotics often have more severe extrapyramidal side effects compared to atypical antipsychotics.
3. Atypical antipsychotics tend to target both dopamine and serotonin receptors, which can result in fewer motor side effects.
4. Common side effects of antipsychotics include weight gain, sedation, and metabolic syndrome.
5. Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic that is highly effective but requires regular blood monitoring due to the risk of agranulocytosis.

Review Questions

• What are the primary conditions treated with antipsychotics?
• How do typical and atypical antipsychotics differ in terms of their mechanism of action?
• What are some common side effects associated with the use of antipsychotic medications?

Related terms

Extrapyramidal Symptoms:

Motor control disturbances such as tremors or rigidity often caused by typical antipsychotics.

Serotonin-Dopamine Antagonists: A class of drugs that block both serotonin and dopamine receptors; many atypical antipsychotics fall into this category.

Agranulocytosis:

A potentially life-threatening condition involving a severe reduction in white blood cells, sometimes associated with clozapine use.