📌 Introduction
Antipsychotic drugs are used to treat psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and psychosis. These drugs help in controlling hallucinations, delusions, and abnormal behavior.
This topic is very important for GPAT, DSSSB, and other pharmacy exams.
🔍 What is Psychosis?
Psychosis is a mental condition characterized by:
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganized thinking
📝 Classification of Antipsychotic Drugs
• Typical (First Generation)
Examples: Chlorpromazine, Haloperidol
• Atypical (Second Generation)
Examples: Clozapine, Risperidone
🧬 Mechanism of Action
• Block dopamine (D2) receptors in brain
• Reduce overactivity of dopamine
• Improve symptoms of psychosis
🩺 Pharmacological Effects
• Reduce hallucinations
• Calm agitation
• Improve behavior
💊 Therapeutic Uses
Used in:
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Acute psychosis
🚨 Side Effects
• Sedation
• Weight gain
• Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
• Tardive dyskinesia
📑 Important Exam Points
• Haloperidol → potent typical antipsychotic
• Clozapine → least EPS but causes agranulocytosis
• Atypical drugs → safer
🛑 Precautions
• Monitor blood counts (Clozapine)
• Avoid sudden withdrawal
• Use cautiously in elderly
🎯 Conclusion
Antipsychotic drugs are essential in treating psychiatric disorders. Understanding their classification, mechanism, and side effects is crucial for exams.
👉 Practice MCQs in evening post
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