Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology
Vol. 25, Suppl. A, 2003
ISSN 0379-0355
Copyright 2003 Prous Science, S.A.
CCC: 0379-0355/2003
http://www.prous.com

Antipsychotics

C. Arango López

Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain

Over the course of the last decade, new generation antipsychotics (risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone and aripiprazole) have become first-line choices for the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia. These drugs have different mechanisms of action that theoretically give them a better side effect profile. Most new generation antipsychotics differ from conventional antipsychotics in their "limbic-specific" dopamine type 2 (D₂)-receptor binding and high ratio of serotonin type 2 (5-HT₂)-receptor binding to D₂ binding. In numerous cases, these antipsychotics have replaced conventional antipsychotics, which are associated with a high incidence of adverse effects, particularly Parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia. However, new side effects are arising with the new generations drugs (obesity, diabetes mellitus, electrocardiographic abnormalities, etc.) that were not present in premarketing trials. In addition, pharmaceutical companies publish numerous studies in an attempt to demonstrate the superiority of new generation antipsychotics as compared to conventional antipsychotics and new generation competitors. Many of these studies are, unfortunately, too brief in duration, use unfortunate doses for the competitor and do not include patients similar to the ones seen in clinical practice. Therefore, the clinician cannot rely entirely on data from those studies. Clinical experience, which allows clinicians to follow patients for prolonged periods of time, is also important in choosing an antipsychotic medication.

Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Vol. 25, Suppl. A, 2003
ISSN 0379-0355 Copyright 2003 Prous Science, S.A. CCC: 0379-0355/2003 http://www.prous.com