New generation antipsychotics

New generation antipsychotics, also known as atypical antipsychotics, are a class of medications used to treat various mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. They were developed in the 1990s and have been widely used since then. Here are some key characteristics and examples of new generation antipsychotics:

Characteristics:

  1. Diverse receptor binding profiles: Unlike traditional antipsychotics, which primarily target dopamine receptors, new generation antipsychotics have a broader receptor binding profile, affecting multiple neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate.
  2. Improved side effect profiles: New generation antipsychotics are generally associated with a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), tardive dyskinesia, and hyperprolactinemia compared to traditional antipsychotics.
  3. Increased efficacy: New generation antipsychotics have been shown to be effective in treating a broader range of symptoms, including negative symptoms, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptoms.

Examples:

  1. Risperidone (Risperdal): Approved in 1994, risperidone is one of the first new generation antipsychotics. It is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism.
  2. Olanzapine (Zyprexa): Approved in 1996, olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. It is known for its sedating effects and is often used as a first-line treatment for acute psychosis.
  3. Quetiapine (Seroquel): Approved in 1997, quetiapine is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It is known for its sedating effects and is often used as a second-line treatment for depression.
  4. Ziprasidone (Geodon): Approved in 2001, ziprasidone is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is known for its low risk of EPS and is often used in patients who have a history of EPS with other antipsychotics.
  5. Aripiprazole (Abilify): Approved in 2002, aripiprazole is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. It is known for its unique mechanism of action, which involves increasing dopamine levels in the brain.
  6. Paliperidone (Invega): Approved in 2006, paliperidone is an extended-release formulation of risperidone. It is used to treat schizophrenia and is known for its long-acting properties.
  7. Asenapine (Saphris): Approved in 2009, asenapine is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is known for its rapid onset of action and is often used as a treatment for acute psychosis.
  8. Lurasidone (Latuda): Approved in 2010, lurasidone is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is known for its low risk of EPS and is often used in patients who have a history of EPS with other antipsychotics.
  9. Iloperidone (Fanapt): Approved in 2009, iloperidone is used to treat schizophrenia. It is known for its unique receptor binding profile and is often used as a treatment for patients who have not responded to other antipsychotics.
  10. Cariprazine (Vraylar): Approved in 2015, cariprazine is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is known for its unique mechanism of action, which involves increasing dopamine levels in the brain.

It's essential to note that while new generation antipsychotics have improved side effect profiles compared to traditional antipsychotics, they are not without risks and side effects. Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks of these medications and to monitor for any adverse effects.