Typical Antipsychotic Mnemonic: Memorize Easy

Published by Latrina Walden

  • February 23, 2025
  • 02:30

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?

Well, it ends today! Get a copy of my Psych Medications Book now!

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

    Memorize Typical Antipsychotic drugs, also known as First-Generation Antipsychotics (FGAs), using the following mnemonic:

    Drug Names:"High Flyers Chew Thorns"

    • H: Haloperidol (High potency, treats schizophrenia, high EPS risk)
    • F: Fluphenazine (High potency, available in long-acting injectable form)
    • C: Chlorpromazine (Low potency, causes sedation & orthostatic hypotension)
    • T: Thioridazine (Low potency, QT prolongation, retinal deposits)

    Mechanism: "Mad Nerds Teach Campers Logic"

    • M: Mesolimbic - Reduces dopamine in this pathway, improving psychosis (delusions, hallucinations)
    • N: Nigrostriatal - Causes motor side effects (EPS, Parkinsonism)
    • T: Tuberoinfundibular - Increases prolactin levels, causing hyperprolactinemia
    • C: cAMP Increases - Blocking D2 receptors raises cAMP levels
    • L: Lipid-soluble - Allows prolonged effects due to storage in fat

    MOA: D2 receptor antagonism blocks dopamine’s effects, impacting the several brain pathways mentioned above.

    Clinical Use / Indications: "Silly Men Fight Panic, Hasty Humans Disrupt"

    • S: Schizophrenia - Treats positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations), but not effective for negative symptoms (flat affect, minimal speech)
    • M: Mania with Psychosis - Treats Bipolar Type I during manic episodes with psychotic symptoms
    • F: Psychotic Episodes in Pregnancy - Preferred over atypical antipsychotics for pregnant women.
    • P: Psychotic Agitation - Haloperidol used for delirium, agitation due to delusions or substance use.
    • H: Huntington's Disease - Reduces involuntary movements by inhibiting dopamine in basal ganglia.
    • H: High Potency in Tourette's - High-potency antipsychotics (Haloperidol, Fluphenazine, Pimozide) for treatment-resistant tics.
    • D: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder - Used to treat severe mood issues in children (e.g., irritability).

    Adverse Side Effects

    • 1. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): "FAMU"
      • F = Fever
      • A = Altered mental status
      • M = Muscle rigidity
      • U = Unstable vitals
    • 2. Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): "The 3 A's & P"
      • A = Acute Dystonia: Muscle spasm/stiffness (e.g., twisted neck)
      • A = Akathisia: Restlessness, urge to move.
      • A = Parkinsonism: Tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia
      • P = Tardive Dyskinesia: Involuntary movements (e.g., lip smacking)
    • 3. Hyperprolactinemia: "GALS"
      • G = Galactorrhea
      • A = Amenorrhea (or oligomenorrhea)
      • L = Low libido
      • S = Sexual dysfunction (e.g., impotence)
    • 4. Anticholinergic Effects: "Can't See, Can't Pee, Can't Spit, Can't Shit"
      • Can't See = Blurred vision (mydriasis)
      • Can't Pee = Urinary retention
      • Can't Spit = Dry mouth
      • Can't Shit = Constipation
    • 5. Sedation (Antihistaminic Effects): "Drowsy Dog"
      • D = Drowsiness
      • D = Decreased alertness/sedation
    • 6. Orthostatic Hypotension: "Alpha Blocker Blues"
      • Alpha = Blockade of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors
      • Blues = Hypotension when standing
    • 7. Metabolic Syndrome: "Whales Dead Heavy"
      • W = Weight gain
      • D = Dyslipidemia
      • H = Hyperglycemia
    • 8. Ocular Deposits: "C for Cornea and T for Retina"
      • C = Chlorpromazine: Corneal deposits
      • T = Thioridazine: Retinal deposits

    Read our article to learn more mnemonics for atypical antipsychotics.

    Study Tips & Professional Development - Join our Newsletter

    Sign up for our newsletter and stay ahead in your NP journey with exclusive insights, expert study tips, and exciting professional development opportunities! Join now for a thriving career as an empowered NP.

    Are you *