Neurotransmission

Question 1

What are typical antipsychotics primarily known for?

Answer 1

Typical antipsychotics act almost exclusively as blockers of dopamine-2 (D2) receptors.

Question 2

What characterizes contemporary atypical antipsychotic drugs?

Answer 2

Contemporary atypical antipsychotic drugs are characterized by serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) antagonistic properties, comparable to or even higher than their D2 blocking potential.

Question 3

Which serotonin receptors do some atypical antipsychotics block?

Answer 3

Some atypical antipsychotics are potent serotonin-1A (5-HT1A), serotonin-1C (5-HT1C) blockers.

Question 4

Which other receptors do atypical antipsychotics target?

Answer 4

Atypical antipsychotics also target histamine-1 (H1) and alpha-adrenergic receptors.

Question 5

What is the potential future direction for antipsychotic drugs?

Answer 5

Future drugs may target trace amine-associated receptor-1 (TAAR1), histamine-3 (H3), and adenosine-2A (A2A) receptors.