Atypical Anti-psychotic Drugs

• Clozapine 
• Reduces dopamine levels in the brain but also blocks serotonin receptors
• Temporarily blocks D2 receptors then rapidly detaches to allow normal dopamine transmission

The D2 receptors are only blocked for a short period of time meaning the brain can function normally for the rest of the time

When symptoms do not improve through the use of conventional medication

• Atypical drugs can cause Agranulocytosis, a life threatening condition that suppresses bone marrow development 
• This reduces the white blood cell count, leading to a higher risk of infection

They are given blood tests for the first 6 months of atypical medication

Up to 66% of schizophrenics with stubborn symptoms resistant to conventional anti psychotic drugs responded with 12 months of Clozapine treatment

• A meta analysis of studies done in 1999 was conducted 
• The superiority of atypical drugs was only moderate

• It was claimed that atypical drugs were particularly effective with type 2 symptoms (catatonic state etc)
• 2 atypical drugs were 'slightly more effective' than conventional drugs 
• 1 was 'as effective'
• 1 was 'slightly worse'

• They have fewer side effects such as tardive dyskinesia 
• This makes patients more likely to continue drug treatment as it is not as traumatic 
• This means patients are more likely to experience symptomatic relief

• Agranulocytosis (potentially fatal)
• Weight gain 
• Nausea 
• Excessive salivation 
• Irregular heartbeat

They are very expensive