ANTIPSYCHOTICS

This slide lists the new medications which have collectively come to be called the "Atypical" neuroleptics. The atypicals derive their name because they do not specifically block the D2 (dopamine 2) receptors as do the typical neuroleptics. The first of these atypical neuroleptics to be developed was Clozaril. However, it has not found great favor due to its propensity to cause agranulocytosis (failure to develop blood cells and platelets), and because of its propensity to cause seizures. The atypicals are listed here in the order of their development from the first to the most recent. They are clozapine, risperdone, olanzapine, and quietepine.