The Characteristics and Application of New Antipsychotic Drugs

The characteristics of new antipsychotic drugs (atypical antipsychotic drugs) and their effective use are discussed. Atypical antipsychotic drugs can be considered modified drugs that resulted when the dopamine D2 receptor-blocking effect of typical antipsychotic drugs was either lowered in affinity or combined with effects on other receptors (serotonin 5-HT2A receptor-blocking effect in particular). Such pharmacological development has contributed to an improved clinical effect and minimization of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). In order to reap these benefits, the high-dose polypharmacy that used to be common on the clinical scene has to be revised to the use of a single drug that keeps the D2 receptor occupancy rate at a range of approximately 70%. If additional sedation or greater efficacy is required, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics or selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be coadministered with the atypical antipsychotic drug. Such a drug combination is practical, because it maintains the characteristics of the atypical antipsychotic drug. It is also important to not only emphasize the effects on the psychopathology, but also the gradual change in such parameters as the quality