The antipsychotic drug fluphenazine has a prolonged period of action when it is given by intramuscular injection, but not when it is given by intravenous injection.Suggest why this is the case.
In spite of these complications, antipsychotics can be very effective, especially when combined with other interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Fortunately, newer generations of antipsychotics aim to address some of these issues by targeting multiple neurotransmitters, like serotonin in addition to dopamine.
One clue is that the majority of antipsychotic medications that improve schizophrenia symptoms block the dopamine receptor D2, which reduces dopamine levels in neurons.
Interestingly, one of the most effective antipsychotic drugs, clozapine, is a weak D2 antagonist, suggesting that other neurotransmitter systems like norepinephrine, serotonin, and GABA are involved.
This is based on the assumption that an overactive dopamine system contributes to schizophrenia, but, like many psychotropic drugs, antipsychotics come with nasty side effects.
According to a recent press release, scientists have unraveled the molecular structure of risperidone, an often prescribed antipsychotic, docked in its D2 dopamine receptor.
STEP 3 See a psychiatrist instead of a family doctor if you're on antidepressants or antipsychotic drugs that may negatively affect your mood and appetite, leading to weight gain.