How do the atypical agents stack up against the typical agents?
All of the atypical agents are more effective and have a better safety profile than the older typical antipsychotics. They can also be divided into first-, second- and third-generation agents, is based on the efficacy and side effect profile. First-generation antipsychotics are typical agents, including chlorpromazine, thioridazine, and haloperidol, among others. These medications are effective primarily for positive symptoms. Some of the side effects include elevation of prolactin and acute and chronic extrapyramidal symptoms. The second-generation agents include risperidone and ziprasidone. They have a broader spectrum of clinical efficacy than first-generation agents in that they ameliorate both positive and negative symptoms. These agents are more tightly bound to the dopamine 2 (D2) receptor than are the other atypical agents and this may explain some of the side effects. The third-generation agents include clozapine, olanzapine, and quetiapine. These agents have a lower risk of e
