Atypical antipsychotic

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Atypical Antipsychotic

Atypical antipsychotics (pronunciation: /əˈtɪpɪkəl ˌæntɪsaɪˈkɒtɪks/), also known as second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), are a group of antipsychotic drugs used primarily to treat psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.

Etymology

The term "atypical" refers to the different actions of these drugs compared to the first generation of antipsychotics, known as typical antipsychotics. The "anti-" prefix indicates against, and "psychotic" is derived from the Greek word "psyche", meaning mind, and "-otic", meaning condition.

Mechanism of Action

Atypical antipsychotics work by blocking receptors in the brain's dopamine pathways. However, they also affect serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine receptors, which may contribute to their different side effect profiles and possibly to their therapeutic benefits.

Examples

Some examples of atypical antipsychotics include Clozapine, Risperidone, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, and Aripiprazole. Each of these drugs has a unique profile of binding to different neurotransmitter receptors.

Side Effects

Common side effects of atypical antipsychotics can include weight gain, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Some atypical antipsychotics can also cause tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder.

Related Terms

External links

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