Typical Antipsychotic Drugs: Effects and Side Effets

Typical Antipsychotic Drugs:

Older class of antipsychotics, used predominantly until 1994 when atypical antipsychotics were released for general use. Still used today, when other drugs are not effective, and in institutional settings. Sometimes used for seniors to control agitation. Controversial use in nursing homes on seniors. Some studies indicate that they may increase the risk of death for seniors.

Typical antipsychotics are sometimes referred to as first generation antipsychotics, neuroleptics, or classical neuroleptics, or major tranquilizers.

These may also be used for the treatment of acute mania, agitation, and other conditions. The first typical antipsychotics to enter clinical use were the phenothiazines. Stronger side effect profile than atypical antipsychotics. Sedation and heavy sedation common. These are the drugs that have been used as "chemical straightjackets" in mental institutions. When used heavily they can be incapacitating. Overmedicating in mental institutions can be common.
See page: A Closer Look at Biopharmacology

Antipsychotic drugs - Types, Uses, Effects, Side Effects:

Generic: chlorpromazine
Trade Name: Thorazine
Description: Low potency dopamine blockade

Generic: thioridazine
Trade: Mellaril
Description: Sometimes classified as a minor tranquilizer. A derivative of the first typical antipsychotic, Thorazine.

Generic: fluphenazine
Trade: Prolixin
Description: Extremely high potency antipsychotic. Derivative of chloropromazine (Thorazine). 50-70 times more potent than chloropromazine (Thorazine). Given orally in institutional settings, or by long-acting intra-muscular injection especially for those non-compliant with medicine and who have frequent relapses. Used for severe psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Generic: haloperidol
Trade: Haldol
Other trade names: Aloperidin, Bioperidolo, Brotopon, Dozic, Duraperidol (Germany), Einalon S, Eukystol, Haldol, Halosten, Keselan, Linton, Peluces, Serenace, Serenase, and Sigaperidol.
Description: High potency antipsychotic
Haloperidol is an older antipsychotic used in the treatment of schizophrenia and for acute psychotic states and delirium. A long acting injection given every 4 weeks to people with schizophrenia or related illnesses who have a poor compliance with medication and with frequent relapses.

Generic: mesoridazine
Trade: Serentil

Use:
Psychosis (especially schizophrenia), agitation, delusions, hallucinations, aggressive or violent behavior.

Other typical antipsychotics:
Molindone
Generic: Thiothixene
Navane
Generic: Trifluoperazine
Stelazine
Generic: Loxapine
Loxapac, Loxitane
Generic: Perphenazine
Prochlorperazine Compazine, Buccastem, Stemetil
Generic: Pimozide
Orap
Generic: Zuclopenthixol
Clopixol

Effects and Side Effects:
Variable in suppressing symptoms. Sedating, extremely sedating, dry mouth.

Long-term:

motor disturbances

Parkinsonism or Parkinson-like symptoms (in teens also)

tardive dyskinesia (which involves involuntary facial movements, a disfiguring disturbance e of motor control).

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or NMS NMS is a rare, but potentially fatal side effect of antipsychotic treatment. It is characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, autonomic dysfunction, and altered mental status. Discontinuation of the use of typical antipsychotic is of necessity.

Typical antipsychotics page source: Based on data from Bohn (1993); Dunner (1993); Gitlin (1996); Nathan & Gorman (1998)