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Do Antipsychotics Increase Acetylcholine?
Do Antipsychotics Increase Acetylcholine?
David Miller••5 min read
The atypical antipsychotics
atypical antipsychotics
The atypical antipsychotics (AAP), also known as second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) and serotonin–dopamine antagonists (SDAs), are a group of antipsychotic drugs (antipsychotic drugs in general are also known as major tranquilizers and neuroleptics, although the latter is usually reserved for the typical ...
olanzapine and clozapine produced robust increases in ACh up to 1500% and 500%, respectively. The neuroleptics haloperidol, thioridazine, and chlorpromazine, as well as the atypical antipsychotics risperidone and ziprasidone produced modest increases in ACh by about 50–100%.
What neurotransmitter do antipsychotics affect?
Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter affected by taking antipsychotics; an overactive dopamine system may be one cause of the hallucinations and delusions commonly experienced during psychosis.
Are antipsychotics anticholinergic?
Atypical antipsychotics have varying degrees of anticholinergic effects, but are generally associated with a lower incidence of EPS and tardive dyskinesia than conventional agents. However, the stronger the anticholinergic properties, the more likely a patient is to develop other serious side effects.
David Miller brings 15 years of experience in global economics, personal finance strategy, and market dynamics. He specializes in turning complex economic trends into actionable insights for everyday readers.
