Antipsychotic drugs are utilized for far more than the treatment of psychosis in schizophrenia, their first indication. They now find wide use in a variety of psychotic disorders, mood disorders, developmental disorders, and drug-induced disorders. The classification of drugs as typical or atypical is based on their differences in extra-pyramidal side effects (EPS). This chapter emphasizes the greater diversity, efficacy, and safety of the atypical drugs, and the risk of tardive dyskinesia of the typical drugs. The atypical drug action may produce improvement in cognitive function and negative symptoms, as well as psychosis and mood in some patients. This diversity includes atypical drugs which produce minimal weight gain. Long-acting injectable formulations are recommended for non-adherent patients. The exceptional ability of clozapine to reduce the risk for suicide and to decrease mortality in schizophrenia is discussed. Anticholinergic and other drugs to treat EPS are also discussed.
Composite Biomarkers Derived from Micro-Electrode Array Measurements and Computer Simulations Improve the Classification of Drug-Induced Channel Block