drug therapy

Question 1

typical antipsychotics

Answer 1

The first generation of antipsychotic drugs, having been used since the 1950s. They work as dopamine antagonists and include Chlorpromazine. The dopamine antagonist effect normalises neurotransmission in key areas of the brain, reducing symptoms like hallucinations. Also an effective sedative as Chlor is often used to calm people

Question 2

Atypical antipsychotics

Answer 2

Drugs for sz developed after typical antipsychotics. They typically target a range of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Examples include Clozapine and Risperidone. Clozapine was remarked as a treatment for sz to be used when other treatments failed - has higher side effects. The mood enhancing effects of Clozapine means that it is sometimes prescribed when a person is considered at high risk of suicide. Risperidone was a more recently developed drug and it was aimed to be as effective as Clozapine but without its serious side effects. Effective in much smaller doses than most antip’s and some evidence to suggest that this leads to fewer side effects than is typical for antip’s