User:Mr. Ibrahem/Atypical antipsychotic

Atypical antipsychotics (AAP) are a class of medication of the antipsychotic type. They are primarily used for agitation, schizophrenia, and bipolar. Other uses may include autism or depression. There is no clear evidence that one agent is more effective than another. They may be taken by mouth or by injection into a muscle. Long acting injectable formulations are also available.

Side effects may include involuntary movement disorders, sleepiness, weight gain, diabetes, and sexual dysfunction, though movement disorders are less common than with typical antipsychotics. Other serious side effects may include neuroleptic malignant syndrome and QT prolongation. Additional concerns with clozapine include low white blood cells and inflammation of the heart. In dementia they increase the risk of death. They are believed to work by blocking receptors in the brain for dopamine and serotonin.

Atypical antipsychotics came into medical use in the 1970s. Some are available as generic medication and are relatively inexpensive. In the United Stats in 2018 quetiapine was the 59th most prescribed medication and aripiprazole was the 101st most prescribed medication.