Are atypical antipsychotics advantageous? - The case for

Abstract

Atypical antipsychotics are a diverse group of drugs. Their widespread use has significantly improved the treatment of schizophrenia. Most patients no longer experience extrapyramidal adverse effects from drugs, including the often irreversible tardive dyskinesia. However, serious adverse reactions can occur with atypical antipsychotics. While atypical antipsychotics have modest efficacy advantages over typical antipsychotics, the efficacy varies between drugs and from patient to patient. Many patients still do not respond adequately to drug treatment of their psychosis. Despite their cost, the atypical antipsychotic drugs are preferred because of their better adverse effect profile and efficacy advantages in some patients.