Typical Antipsychotic Mnemonic: Memorize Easy

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.