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Specific drugs

Typical and Atypical

Schizophrenia and Related Conditions Cont'd

Jeffery Smith, MD

Schizophrenia Medications:

Dopamine Hypothesis for Positive Symptoms

Antipsychotic drugs (also called neuroleptic) that reduce dopamine action

Common "Typical" Antipsychotics: Suppress positive symptoms; associated with EPS*

Thorazine (clorpromazine) -- blood pressure drop

Mellaril (thoridazine) -- low potency, sedation

Haldol (haloperidol) -- high potency

Prolixin (fluphenazine) -- injectable monthly

Common "Atypical" Antipsychotics: Help negative symptoms, too & less EPS

Clozaril (clozapine) -- Agranulocytosis

Seroquel (quetiapine) -- somnolence

Risperdal (respiridone) -- weight gain

Zyprexa (olanzapine) -- weight gain

Geodon (ziprasidone) -- no weight gain

Abilify (aripiprazole) -- low side effects

Side Effects:

* EPS: Extrapyramidal symptoms -- Parkinsonian sx. Akathesia, dystonias, Tardive Dyskinesia.

Anticholinergic side effects

Weight gain

Others: heart rhythm, temperature regulation, diabetes, hormones, etc.