Quetiapine fumarate (Seroquel): a new atypical antipsychotic

摘要: The goal of antipsychotic drug development efforts over the past 10 years has been to develop agents with increased efficacy and safety fewer side effects commonly associated older medications. newer agents, often called atypical antipsychotics, are effective in treating both positive negative symptoms schizophrenia neurological- endocrine-related compared agents. As a result, patients likely remain on therapy longer, preventing relapses costly hospitalizations. Quetiapine fumarate (Seroquel) is most recently introduced indicated for management manifestations psychotic disorders schizophrenia. Quetiapine, like clozapine (the archetypal antipsychotic), interacts broad range neurotransmitter receptors higher affinity serotonin (5-HT(2A)) relative dopamine (D(2)) brain. Further, quetiapine's pharmacological appear selective mesolimbic mesocortical systems, which believed be areas brain responsible therapeutic antipsychotics. In contrast standard antipsychotics some nigrostriatal system, extrapyramidal (or motor) effects, minimal. also minimal activity tuberoinfundibular thereby avoiding problem hyperprolactinemia, common Because these properties, quetiapine an agent relatively benign effect profile. Several large, placebo- active-controlled, multicenter trials have shown against (e.g., hallucinations, delusions) emotional withdrawal, apathy) benefits reducing hostility, aggression affective symptoms. Patients long-term treatment report high compliance, good satisfaction, ability function improvements consistent better quality life. excellent tolerability profile, its use particularly appropriate especially sensitive adverse e.g., elderly other neurological such as Parkinson's Alzheimer's disease.