Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics (previously known as neuroleptics and major tranquilizers) are a class of psychotropic medication primarily used to manage psychosis. It’s principally given for schizophrenia but also during acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder, as well as in cases where mood stabilizers are poorly tolerated or ineffective.

• Atypical, Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs), like lithium, reduce excitatory neurotransmitter release, blocking dopamine sites, and increasing inhibitory neurotransmitter release.
• SGAs, like aripiprazole, can treat both mania and depression, but are mostly prescribed for psychotic symptoms during extreme moods. If an SGA doesn’t relieve depressive symptoms, a doctor may prescribe a mood-stabilizer like lithium or an antidepressant.