Antipsychotics 2nd Generation (Atypical)

Question 1

What are common antipsychotics 2nd generation drugs?

Answer 1

Risperidone (Risperdal)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Asenapine (Saphris)
Ziprasidone (Geodon)
Paliperidone (Invega)

Question 2

What are the expected pharmacological actions?

Answer 2

-Mainly blocking serotonin and lesser degree dopamine receptors. Also blocks receptors for norepinephrine, histamine, and actylcholine.

Question 3

Therapeutic uses?

Answer 3

• Negative and positive symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders
• Psychosis induced by levodopa therapy
• Relief of bipolar disorder manifestations

Question 4

Common adverse effects?

Answer 4

• New onset of DM
• Weight gain
• Hypercholesterolemia (risk for hypertension & cardiovascular disease
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Anticholinergic effects
• Mild EPS (

Question 5

Common contraindications and precautions?

Answer 5

• Dementia
• Concurrent use of alcohol
• Use cautiously for patients with cardiovascular disease, seizures, DM