Drug-induced psychosis in Parkinson's disease (II): atypical neuroleptics

Abstract

SummaryIn this second part of a review on drug-induced psychosis in Parkinson's disease, the characteristics of typical and atypical neuroleptics will be compared and the therapeutic efficacy and the extrapyramidal side-effects of ‘atypical’ antipsychotic drugs will be discussed. These drugs affect serotonergic, adrenergic as well as dopaminergic neurotransmission and are best distinguished from the typical neuroleptics on the basis of the relationship between strong 5-HT2 and weak D2 affinities. Their succes may rely on this spectrum of effects. Clozapine, being the first choice, will be discussed in more detail.