Antipsychotic drugs antipsychotics dopaminergic mechanism

Antipsychotic drugs block dopaminergic receptors, specifically the D2 receptors. Neuroleptic potency does not appear to correlate absolutely with the degree of receptor binding, so a secondary mechanism is also postulated. 

Representatives of diphenylbutylpiperidines are pimozide, fluspirilene, and penfluridol, which belong to the powerful neuroleptic drugs with expressed antipsychotic properties similar to haloperidol. The principle distinctive feature of this series of drugs is their prolonged action. The mechanism of their action is not completely known however, it is clear that they block dopaminergic activity. 

Reserpine, used as a folk medicine in India, was found to have antipsychotic properties at about the same time as CPZ. Both agents affected the dopaminergic system, albeit in different ways, but the functional results were similar (i.e., lowering dopamine activity). This phenomenon has continued to be an important factor in hypotheses about the mechanism of action of these drugs and for biological theories about the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders. 

Ferris, R.M., H.L. White, F.L.M. Tang, A. Russel, and M. Harfenist Rincazole (BW234 U) Novel Antipsychotic Agent Whose Mechanism of Action Cannot be Explained by a Direct Blockade of Postsynaptic Dopaminergic Receptors in Brain. Drug. Der. Res. 9, 171 (1987) (C.A. 106, 27732j, 1987). 

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