Antidepressants and antipsychotics

Abstract 

Although there is still debate over the biochemical basis of depression, most drugs that are effective in this disorder potentiate the actions of either norepinephrine or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The main mechanisms of this action are prevention of reuptake and inhibition of metabolism. However, the delay in obtaining relief from symptoms suggests that biochemical effects downstream from this acute action are responsible for the beneficial effects. Mood stabilizers, which are used to treat manic depression, include lithium salts and the anticonvulsant carbamazepine. Most traditional antipsychotic drugs are antagonists at D₂-receptors and cause extrapyramidal side effects as a consequence. Atypical drugs, which have less extrapyramidal effect, seem to cause additional blockade of 5-HT₂ receptors.

Keywords: 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake inhibitors, dopamine antagonists, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, norepinephrine uptake inhibitors