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.

Back to blog