Second-generation antipsychotics primarily block which receptors?

Second-generation antipsychotics primarily block which receptors?

• A. Dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors
• B. Dopamine D1 receptors only
• C. GABA-A receptors
• D. NMDA receptors

Answer: (A)

Second-generation antipsychotics work by blocking two key receptors: dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A. Blocking D2 receptors helps reduce psychotic positive symptoms, while blocking 5-HT2A receptors modulates dopamine release in different brain pathways, which lessens motor side effects and can improve negative symptoms and cognitive aspects. This combination gives similar anti-psychotic efficacy to older drugs but with a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms. Other targets listed don’t explain how these drugs generally achieve their profile. D1 receptors aren’t the primary focus of these agents, and GABA-A or NMDA receptor antagonism is associated with different drug classes and mechanisms, not the typical action of second-generation antipsychotics.

Second-generation antipsychotics work by blocking two key receptors: dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A. Blocking D2 receptors helps reduce psychotic positive symptoms, while blocking 5-HT2A receptors modulates dopamine release in different brain pathways, which lessens motor side effects and can improve negative symptoms and cognitive aspects. This combination gives similar anti-psychotic efficacy to older drugs but with a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms.

Other targets listed don’t explain how these drugs generally achieve their profile. D1 receptors aren’t the primary focus of these agents, and GABA-A or NMDA receptor antagonism is associated with different drug classes and mechanisms, not the typical action of second-generation antipsychotics.