Typical and atypical anti-psychotics Flashcards
(16 cards)
When are atypical anti-psychotics used?
They are used when typical anti-psychotics are not effective in reducing symptoms
What are typical anti-psychotics known as?
They are known as 1st generation
What are atypical anti-psychotics known as?
2nd generation
Typical anti-psychotics are…
Dopamine antagonists
What do typical antipsychotics do?
They reduce activity levels of dopamine in the brain
How does chlorpromazine (typical) work?
It works by binding to D2 receptors on the post synaptic neurons, reducing the action of dopamine
What does the reduction of dopamine activity levels result in?
It results in a reduction of positive symptoms such as hallucinations
What are typical anti-psychotics also used as?
They are also used as a sedative to calm patients
What is an example of an atypical anti-psychotic?
Clozapine
What do atypical anti-psychotics act on?
They act on dopamine and seritonin
What does clozapine also bind to?
They also bind to D2 receptors on the post synaptic neuron
What symptoms do both drug treatments reduce?
They both reduce positive symptoms such as hallucinations
Atypical anti-psychotics also act as…
Agonists upon seritonin receptors (2A and 2C) to increase levels of seritonin
What does atypical anti-psychotics increasing seritonin do?
This reduces negative symptoms of schizophrenia such as lack of emotions as it helps improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety
Why are atypical anti-psychotics not used first?
They are not used first because they are associated with agranulocytosis, a life threatening illness
What is agranulocytosis?
It is a life threatening illness where white blood cells are reduced, preventing an individual from fighting disease.
