Atypical Antipsychotics Mnemonic | Names, Side Effects & MOA

Atypical Antipsychotics (AAP), also known as second generation antipsychotics (SGAs), include:

• Aripiprazole: Partial dopamine agonist, used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
• -apine drug names:
  • Clozapine: Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS)
  • Olanzapine: Schizophrenia, bipolar
  • Quetiapine: Bipolar disorder (depressive and manic episodes), schizophrenia
  • Asenapine: Schizophrenia in adults, bipolar
• -idone drug names:
  • Risperidone: First episode psychosis, dementia
  • Ziprasidone: Schizophrenia, bipolar, lower weight gain risk
  • Lurasidone: Schizophrenia, bipolar depression, low metabolic risk
  • Iloperidone: Schizophrenia, low sedative effect
  • Paliperidone: Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder

For a nursing-focused breakdown of typical antipsychotics mechanism of action and side effects, check out this video:

Adverse Side Effects of Atypical Antipsychotics

• Extrapyramidal Symptoms (ADAPT)
  • Acute Dystonia: Painful muscle spasms
  • Akathisia: Restlessness and urge to move
  • Parkinsonism: Shaky hands, slow movements
  • Tardive Dyskinesia: Involuntary repetitive movements
• Metabolic Syndrome: Weight gain, Increased cholesterol, High blood sugar, Insulin resistance
• Sedation: A common side effect that can impact daily activities.
• Anticholinergic Effects: Dry mouth, Constipation, Blurred vision , Urinary retention
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): Life-threatening condition with symptoms like: high fever, muscle rigidity, confusion, autonomic instability
• Agranulocytosis (Clozapine): Severe drop in white blood cell count.
• QT Prolongation (Ziprasidone): Risk of abnormal heart rhythms like torsades de pointes.

Typical vs Atypical

• Typical Antipsychotics tend to more strongly block dopamine, leading to higher risks of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).
• Atypical Antipsychotics have greater effects on serotonin, which may reduce the risk of EPS but can still cause other side effects like weight gain and sedation.
• Both classes share common side effects such as dry mouth, sleepiness, and weight gain.

Easy Way to Remember difference: Arjun Got CAP in PHD due to NARCOZ addiction

CAP & PHD → Typical (First-Generation) Antipsychotics

• CAP = Chlorpromazine, Acepromazine, Promazine → Low-potency typical antipsychotics
• PHD = Prochlorperazine, Haloperidol, Droperidol → High-potency typical antipsychotics

NARCOZ → Atypical (Second-Generation) Antipsychotics

• Aripiprazole, Risperidone, Clozapine, Olanzapine, Ziprasidone

Read our article to learn more mnemonics for typical antipsychotics.