NAME 

           : Bamey Ganado

SEMESTER   : 2nd SEMESTER,2023
COURSE        : HUMAN BIOLOGY BL133
 

Understanding Antipsychotic Drugs: Mechanisms of Action, Side Effects, and Indications

I. Introduction

Antipsychotic medicines, also known as neuroleptics, are a kind of medication used to treat a
number of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe
depression. These medications act by inhibiting or altering the effects of dopamine, a
neurotransmitter that regulates mood, motivation, and behavior. Antipsychotics are classified
into two types: typical antipsychotics, which have been in use since the 1950s, and atypical
antipsychotics, which were created in the 1990s and work via a different mechanism.

Antipsychotic drugs have been an important part of psychiatric treatment for many years, but
they can also have significant side effects that can impact a patient's quality of life. In recent
years, there has been growing concern about the long-term use of these medications and their
potential impact on physical health. As such, it is important for healthcare professionals to
understand the mechanisms of action, side effects, and indications of antipsychotic drugs, as well
as the factors that can influence drug selection.

II. Mechanisms of Action

Antipsychotic drugs work by modulating the activity of dopamine in the brain. The dopamine
hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that an overactive dopaminergic system in certain parts of
the brain can lead to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and
hallucinations.

Typical antipsychotics, also known as first-generation antipsychotics, primarily block dopamine

receptors in the brain. They are effective at treating positive symptoms of schizophrenia, but they
can also cause extrapyramidal side effects (EPS), such as Parkinsonism, akathisia, dystonia, and
tardive dyskinesia.

Atypical antipsychotics, commonly known as second-generation antipsychotics, function in the

brain by inhibiting dopamine and serotonin receptors. They are useful in treating both positive
and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, as well as other mental health illnesses including
bipolar disorder and significant depression. Atypical antipsychotics are less likely to produce
EPS, although they may cause metabolic side effects such as weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and
diabetes.

The pharmacological actions of antipsychotic drugs are complex and not fully understood.
However, research suggests that they may also modulate other neurotransmitter systems in the
brain, such as glutamate and GABA, which may contribute to their therapeutic effects.
NAME            : Bamey Ganado
SEMESTER   : 2nd SEMESTER,2023
COURSE        : HUMAN BIOLOGY BL133
 

III. Side Effects

Antipsychotic medications may have a variety of adverse effects, some of which are severe and
have an influence on a patient's quality of life. These adverse effects are classified into various
types:

1. Extrapyramidal Side Effects (EPS): EPS are a group of movement disorders that can
occur as a result of dopamine blockade in the brain. These include Parkinsonism,
characterized by tremors, stiffness, and slowed movements; akathisia, characterized by a
feeling of inner restlessness and an inability to sit still; dystonia, characterized by
abnormal muscle contractions; and tardive dyskinesia, which involves involuntary
movements of the mouth, tongue, and face.
2. Metabolic Side Effects: Atypical antipsychotics can cause metabolic side effects, such as
weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. These side effects can increase the risk of
cardiovascular disease and other health problems.
3. Neurological Side Effects: Antipsychotic drugs can cause a range of neurological side
effects, such as dizziness, sedation, and cognitive impairment.
4. Cardiovascular Side Effects: Antipsychotic drugs can cause cardiovascular side effects,
such as orthostatic hypotension, which can lead to falls and other complications.

The severity and kind of side effects may vary depending on the antipsychotic medication and
the patient's individual characteristics. Healthcare practitioners must assess patients for
undesirable effects and modify treatment as needed to mitigate their impact.

IV. Indications

Antipsychotic drugs are primarily used to treat mental health disorders that involve disturbances
in thinking, mood, and behavior. The following are some of the common indications for
antipsychotic drug use:

1. Schizophrenia: The main therapy for schizophrenia, a serious mental health illness
marked by delusions, hallucinations, distorted thinking, and aberrant behavior, is
antipsychotic medicines.
2. Bipolar Disorder: Antipsychotic medications are often used in conjunction with mood
stabilizers to treat bipolar disorder, which is characterized by periods of mania and
depression.
3. Major Depressive Disorder: Atypical antipsychotics, in conjunction with antidepressants,
may be used to treat major depressive disorder, a mood illness marked by persistent
feelings of sorrow and despair.
NAME            : Bamey Ganado
SEMESTER   : 2nd SEMESTER,2023
COURSE        : HUMAN BIOLOGY BL133
 

4. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Antipsychotic medicines may be used to treat some of the
symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, such as aggressiveness, impatience, and
repetitive activities.

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Atypical antipsychotics, in conjunction with other therapies,

may be used to address the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, an anxiety condition
characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts and compulsive actions.

It is important for healthcare professionals to carefully evaluate patients and consider their
individual needs when determining the appropriate use of antipsychotic drugs for treatment.

V. Factors affecting drug selection

Several factors can influence the selection of an antipsychotic drug for a particular patient. These
include:

1. Diagnosis: The type of mental health disorder a patient has can influence the choice of
antipsychotic drug. For example, typical antipsychotics may be more effective at treating
positive symptoms of schizophrenia, while atypical antipsychotics may be more effective
at treating negative symptoms.
2. Side Effect Profile: The side effect profile of an antipsychotic drug can influence drug
selection. For example, patients who are at risk of developing metabolic side effects may
be prescribed an atypical antipsychotic that has a lower risk of causing these side effects.
3. Patient Characteristics: Patient characteristics, such as age, gender, and comorbid medical
conditions, can also influence drug selection. For example, elderly patients may be more
sensitive to the sedative effects of antipsychotic drugs and may require a lower dose.
4. Medication Interactions: Some medications can interact with antipsychotic drugs and
increase the risk of side effects or decrease their effectiveness. Healthcare professionals
should carefully review a patient's medication list when selecting an antipsychotic drug.
5. Patient Preference: Patient preference should also be taken into consideration when
selecting an antipsychotic drug. Patients who have previously taken an antipsychotic and
experienced side effects or who have concerns about side effects may prefer a different
drug with a different side effect profile.

It is important for healthcare professionals to carefully evaluate each patient and consider all of
these factors when selecting an antipsychotic drug for treatment.

VI. Conclusion
NAME            : Bamey Ganado
SEMESTER   : 2nd SEMESTER,2023
COURSE        : HUMAN BIOLOGY BL133
 

To summarize, antipsychotic medications are a beneficial therapeutic choice for mental health
illnesses characterized by disruptions in thought, emotion, and behavior. They act by inhibiting
dopamine receptors in the brain, which may assist with symptoms including hallucinations,
delusions, and disorganized thinking. While antipsychotic drugs can be very effective, they can
also have a variety of side effects, so they should be chosen with care based on factors such as
diagnosis, side effect profile, patient characteristics, medication interactions, and patient
preference. Healthcare providers must regularly evaluate patients for side effects and alter
therapy as appropriate to reduce their impact and maximize results.