Comparison of older and newer neuroleptics for the treatment of schizophrenia

Abstract

This article reviews the current antipsychotic treatments available for schizophrenia. After a review of its history - from the beginning of last century - emphasis is placed on the distinguishing features of the new antipsychotic therapies against typical neuroleptic agents. An attempt is made to relate the different mechanisms of antipsychotic events in these groups of drugs with their efficacy and safety profiles before going on to develop more extensively the prospects provided by new antipsychotic drugs in the areas of acute clinical efficacy and maintenance, safety and quality of life for the schizophrenic patient.