Abstract

Antipsychotics are a class of medications primarily used to manage psychosis, including delusions, hallucinations, and disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These drugs are categorized into typical (first-generation) and atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics, each with distinct pharmacological profiles and side effect spectra. Typical antipsychotics primarily act as dopamine D2 receptor antagonists, while atypical antipsychotics target a broader range of neurotransmitter receptors, including serotonin. Despite their efficacy in mitigating psychotic symptoms, antipsychotics can cause significant adverse effects, such as extrapyramidal symptoms, weight gain, and metabolic syndrome. Ongoing research seeks to develop antipsychotics with improved efficacy and reduced side effects, aiming to enhance patient adherence and quality of life. Understanding the complex pharmacodynamics and individualized patient response is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes.

Keywords: Antipsychotics, Schizophrenia, Pharmacodynamics