Antipsychotic Medications: A Comprehensive Overview
Antipsychotic medications, also known as neuroleptics, are a crucial class of drugs used primarily
in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. This walkthrough will cover
their types, mechanisms of action, indications, side effects, and important nursing considerations.
Types of Antipsychotics
1. First-Generation (Typical) Antipsychotics
- Examples: Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Haloperidol (Haldol)
- Characteristics: Older drugs with a higher risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
2. Second-Generation (Atypical) Antipsychotics
- Examples: Clozapine (Clozaril), Risperidone (Risperdal), Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Characteristics: Newer drugs with a lower risk of EPS but increased metabolic side
effects
Mechanism of Action
- First-generation antipsychotics primarily block dopamine D2 receptors[1]
- Second-generation antipsychotics block both dopamine and serotonin receptors[1]
- The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood for all antipsychotics
Indications
1. Schizophrenia
2. Other psychotic disorders
3. Bipolar disorder (some atypical antipsychotics)
4. Treatment-resistant depression (as adjuncts)
5. Irritability associated with autistic disorder (e.g., Risperidone)
Common Side Effects
1. Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) [this is an older term, but you will still see it
everywhere] -- They are side-effects from DRBAs
- Pseudoparkinsonism
- Akathisia
FH 2025 Antipsychotic Pharmacology Handout
Antipsychotic medications, also known as neuroleptics, are a crucial class of drugs used primarily
in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. This walkthrough will cover
their types, mechanisms of action, indications, side effects, and important nursing considerations.
Types of Antipsychotics
1. First-Generation (Typical) Antipsychotics
- Examples: Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Haloperidol (Haldol)
- Characteristics: Older drugs with a higher risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
2. Second-Generation (Atypical) Antipsychotics
- Examples: Clozapine (Clozaril), Risperidone (Risperdal), Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Characteristics: Newer drugs with a lower risk of EPS but increased metabolic side
effects
Mechanism of Action
- First-generation antipsychotics primarily block dopamine D2 receptors[1]
- Second-generation antipsychotics block both dopamine and serotonin receptors[1]
- The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood for all antipsychotics
Indications
1. Schizophrenia
2. Other psychotic disorders
3. Bipolar disorder (some atypical antipsychotics)
4. Treatment-resistant depression (as adjuncts)
5. Irritability associated with autistic disorder (e.g., Risperidone)
Common Side Effects
1. Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) [this is an older term, but you will still see it
everywhere] -- They are side-effects from DRBAs
- Pseudoparkinsonism
- Akathisia
FH 2025 Antipsychotic Pharmacology Handout
