Antipsychotic drugs

Traditional, e.g., haloperidol, thorazine:

Mechanism of action: D2 receptor blockade

Indications: target psychotic symptoms and delirium

Side effects:

Extrapyramidal

Location: nigrostriatal dopaminergic (basal ganglia) blockade

Clinical presentation: stiffness, muscles spasm, poor coordination/initiation of movement

Tardive dyskinesia: abnormal, involuntary movements associated with chronic antipsychotic treatment, especially higher potency agents

Neuroleptic Malingnant Syndrome:

Sexual side effects:

Global cognitive slowing:

Pituitary -> hyperprolactinemia via dopamine blockade in tuberoinfundibular system -> galactorrhea or gynecomastia

Area postrema -> antiemetic

Frontal cortex, temporal lobe, limbic system -> ? antipsychotic effect