THE FIRST GENERATION AND SECOND-GENERATION ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS AND THEIR PHARMACOLOGY IN TREATMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a complex and severe psychiatric disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Antipsychotic drugs have been widely used for the treatment of schizophrenia for over 60 years. The first-generation antipsychotic drugs (FGAs) were introduced in the 1950s and revolutionized the treatment of schizophrenia. However, their use is associated with a number of adverse effects, including Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) and Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). Second-generation antipsychotic drugs (SGAs), also known as atypical antipsychotics, were developed in the 1990s and have become the preferred treatment for schizophrenia due to their lower incidence of EPS and TD. They also have a broader range of therapeutic effects, such as improving negative symptoms and cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. This review article summarizes the pharmacology of both FGAs and SGAs, including their mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and adverse effects. The efficacy and safety of these drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia are also discussed. In addition, this review examines the controversy surrounding the use of SGAs and their potential metabolic side effects, such as weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Despite the availability of SGAs, FGAs still have a role in the treatment of schizophrenia, particularly for patients who are unresponsive to SGAs or experience intolerable side effects. Furthermore, research continues to identify new pharmacological targets and treatment strategies for schizophrenia. Understanding the pharmacology and clinical use of antipsychotic drugs is essential for optimizing the treatment of schizophrenia and improving patient outcomes.