Psychotic drugs list
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Comprehensive List of Psychotic Drugs: Classification and Mechanisms
Introduction to Antipsychotic Drugs
Antipsychotic drugs, also known as neuroleptics, are primarily used to manage psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression. These medications have evolved significantly since the mid-1950s, starting with the introduction of chlorpromazine. The classification of these drugs has transitioned from chemical structure-based groupings to more sophisticated categorizations based on pharmacological properties and receptor affinities.
Classification of Antipsychotic Drugs
First-Generation Antipsychotics (FGAs)
First-generation antipsychotics, also known as typical antipsychotics, include drugs such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and trifluoperazine. These medications primarily act as dopamine D2 receptor antagonists, which helps in reducing psychotic symptoms but often leads to side effects like extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) .
Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs)
Second-generation antipsychotics, or atypical antipsychotics, include drugs like olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine. These medications not only target dopamine D2 receptors but also have significant activity at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, which helps in reducing the risk of EPS and improving efficacy in treating negative symptoms of psychosis .
Dopamine D2 Receptor Partial Agonists
A newer class of antipsychotics includes dopamine D2 receptor partial agonists such as aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, and cariprazine. These drugs offer a unique mechanism by partially stimulating dopamine receptors, which can help in balancing dopamine levels and reducing both positive and negative symptoms of psychosis with a lower risk of side effects.
Medication-Induced Psychotic Disorder (MIPD)
Certain medications, including steroids, antiepileptic drugs, antimalarial drugs, and antiretroviral drugs, can induce psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. The management of MIPD involves discontinuing the offending drug and may include the use of atypical antipsychotics for symptomatic relief.
Natural Medicines and Psychotic Disorders
Natural medicines like glycine, sarcosine, N-acetylcysteine, and certain herbs have shown some efficacy in improving psychotic symptoms when used as adjuncts to conventional antipsychotics. However, the evidence is limited and requires further replication.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents in Psychotic Disorders
Recent studies have explored the use of anti-inflammatory agents as adjunctive treatments for psychotic disorders. Drugs such as NSAIDs, minocycline, and monoclonal antibodies have shown some promise in reducing psychotic symptoms, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear.
Psychotogenic Potential of Prescribed Drugs
Certain psychoactive substances, including amphetamines, hallucinogens, and cannabis, have been associated with an increased risk of developing psychotic symptoms. This risk is present regardless of whether the substances are prescribed or illicitly used.
Conclusion
The landscape of antipsychotic drugs is diverse, encompassing first-generation and second-generation antipsychotics, as well as newer classes like dopamine D2 receptor partial agonists. While these medications are effective in managing psychotic disorders, certain prescribed drugs and natural medicines also play a role in treatment, albeit with varying degrees of efficacy and safety. Understanding the classification and mechanisms of these drugs is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic