L8 - Typical and Atypical Antipsychotics Flashcards
What is the function of typical APs?
Reduce positive symptoms of SZ caused by high dopamine levels
Reduce dopamine levels
How do typical drugs work?
Blocks activity of D2 receptors in mesolimbic dopamine pathway
Typical drugs need to bind to what % of D2 receptors to be effective?
60-75%
Example of a typical antipsychotic?
Chlorpromazine
Role of chlorpromazine?
Acts as a sedative
Calms SZs down
Usually when first admitted to hospital
What form can antipsychotics be taken in?
Tablet
Syrup
Injection (prolixin)
+ of typical antipsychotics related to cost and administration?
Effective in minimising symptoms
Cheap to produce and administer
Helps have a normal life and so 3>% institutionalised
- of typical antipsychotics related to general side effects?
Dizziness, stiff jaw
In LT, tardiv dyskinesia may develop (strange involuntary mouth and chin movements) due to dopamine super-sensitivity
Uncomfortable
- of typical antipsychotics related to neuroleptic malignant syndrome?
Altered consciousness, coma = may be fatal
Should be stopped if there are signs
Caused be hypothalamus dopamine action being blocked
Example of atypical antipsychotic?
Clozapine
Role of atypical antipsychotics?
Block dopamine activity by acting in D2 receptors
Increase serotonin production by binding to the receptors to lift mood
Atypical antipsychotics reduce which symptoms?
Positive and negative
Both typical and atypical antipsychotics are?
Dopamine antagonists
How does clozapine work?
Binds to dopamine and serotonin receptors
Reduces anxiety and depression
Improves cognitive functioning
+ of atypical antipsychotics related to effectiveness?
Highly effective
Reduces positive and negative symptoms,
Quicker than other therapies including CBT
