Antipsychotic drugs: A review with a focus on QT prolongation

Abstract

Antipsychotic medications are effective in the treatment of acute psychosis, irrespective of cause, chronic psychotic disorders, and other psychiatric and non-psychiatric conditions. They are categorized into first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs), also known as “typical” antipsychotics, and second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), or otherwise known as “atypical” antipsychotics. This review article summarizes both typical and atypical antipsychotics, as well as, examines the mechanism and propensity of these agents to prolong the QTc interval.

Keywords: Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Antipsychotic History, Typical and Atypical Antipsychotics, Psychopharmacotherapy, Psychiatry, QTc, Schizophrenia