Which receptors do second-generation antipsychotics primarily block?

Study for the Pain, Opioids, and Neuropsychiatric Pharmacology Test. Explore with flashcards and multiple choice questions; each query comes with hints and explanations. Prepare to excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which receptors do second-generation antipsychotics primarily block?

Explanation:
Second-generation antipsychotics achieve their effect by blocking both Dopamine D2 and Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. D2 blockade helps reduce positive psychotic symptoms. At the same time, 5-HT2A antagonism modulates dopamine release in other brain circuits, which helps improve negative/cognitive symptoms and lowers the risk of extrapyramidal side effects and prolactin elevation compared with older antipsychotics. This dual receptor action is the defining feature of many SGAs. Other receptor pairs listed don't capture the main pharmacologic profile of these drugs.

Second-generation antipsychotics achieve their effect by blocking both Dopamine D2 and Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. D2 blockade helps reduce positive psychotic symptoms. At the same time, 5-HT2A antagonism modulates dopamine release in other brain circuits, which helps improve negative/cognitive symptoms and lowers the risk of extrapyramidal side effects and prolactin elevation compared with older antipsychotics. This dual receptor action is the defining feature of many SGAs. Other receptor pairs listed don't capture the main pharmacologic profile of these drugs.

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