MECHANISMS OF ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS: DOPAMINERGIC HYPOTHESES

Abstract

This review discusses some of the main hypothesis about the mechanisms of action of antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia. The main theories try to identify mechanisms to differentiate between the “atypical” and “typical” antipsychotics, such as the antagonism of D2and 5-HT2 receptors, the rapid dissociation from the D2 receptor and the partial agonism. They constitute an interesting example of how ideas evolve to explain the effects of diverse medicines. Moreover, these theories show how important are the concepts and terms from basic Pharmacology for understanding the differences among the antipsychotics. Hence, the importance of an article approaching the pharmacological aspects and its implications.