Atypical Antipsychotics Mnemonic | Names, Side Effects & MOA

Published by Latrina Walden

  • February 22, 2025
  • 08:23

Latrina Walden

Founder & CEO of LWES | MSN, MHA, FNP-C, FNP-BC, PMHNP

Tired of reading your boring notes and endless google searches for Medication Classifications & Adverse Side Effects?

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Meet The Author

Latrina Walden

Latrina is the Founder & CEO of Latrina Walden Exam Solutions (LWES). Her background is in creating a NP Academy that supports and educates current and future nurses through an Academy.
Follow her on Linkedin for more tips & advice in the nursing world.

Table of Contents

    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

    Memorize atypical antipsychotics using the mnemonic “CORAL Q ZIP”: C for Clozapine, O for Olanzapine, R for  Risperidone, A for Aripiprazole, L for Lurasidone, Q for Quetiapine, Z for Ziprasidone, I for Iloperidone, P for Paliperidone.

    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.Recall common adverse effects of clozapine using the mnemonic WEIGHT: W for Weight gain (metabolic syndrome), E for Excessive drooling (sialorrhea), I for Increased seizure risk, G for Granulocytopenia (agranulocytosis), H for Hypotension (orthostatic), T for Tachycardia (myocarditis)
    • 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.

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