Which of the following medications is classified as a typical antipsychotic?

Which of the following medications is classified as a typical antipsychotic?

• A. Fluphenazine
• B. Olanzapine
• C. Quetiapine
• D. Aripiprazole

Answer: (A)

Fluphenazine is classified as a typical antipsychotic, which is a category of medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Typical antipsychotics, also known as first-generation antipsychotics, are characterized by their primary mechanism of action, which involves the blockade of dopamine D2 receptors in the brain. This action is thought to help alleviate the positive symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions. In contrast, the other medications listed—Olanzapine, Quetiapine, and Aripiprazole—are classified as atypical antipsychotics, or second-generation antipsychotics. These medications also target dopamine receptors but additionally influence serotonin receptors, offering a broader spectrum of effects. Typical antipsychotics like fluphenazine are often more closely associated with extrapyramidal side effects due to their dopamine antagonism, while atypical antipsychotics tend to have a lower risk for these side effects and are often preferred for the treatment of a wider variety of symptoms associated with psychotic disorders. By understanding the classification and mechanism of action, it becomes clear why fluphenazine is the correct answer in identifying a typical antipsychotic.

Fluphenazine is classified as a typical antipsychotic, which is a category of medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Typical antipsychotics, also known as first-generation antipsychotics, are characterized by their primary mechanism of action, which involves the blockade of dopamine D2 receptors in the brain. This action is thought to help alleviate the positive symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions.

In contrast, the other medications listed—Olanzapine, Quetiapine, and Aripiprazole—are classified as atypical antipsychotics, or second-generation antipsychotics. These medications also target dopamine receptors but additionally influence serotonin receptors, offering a broader spectrum of effects. Typical antipsychotics like fluphenazine are often more closely associated with extrapyramidal side effects due to their dopamine antagonism, while atypical antipsychotics tend to have a lower risk for these side effects and are often preferred for the treatment of a wider variety of symptoms associated with psychotic disorders.

By understanding the classification and mechanism of action, it becomes clear why fluphenazine is the correct answer in identifying a typical antipsychotic.