Which of the following is an example of a second-generation antipsychotic?

Which of the following is an example of a second-generation antipsychotic?

• A. Risperidone
• B. Haloperidol
• C. Chlorpromazine
• D. Loxapine

Answer: (A)

Second-generation antipsychotics combine dopamine D2 receptor blockade with serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonism, which helps treat both positive and negative symptoms while reducing extrapyramidal side effects compared with older drugs (though metabolic effects can be more common). Risperidone is a classic example of this class because it blocks both D2 and 5-HT2A receptors, giving effective antipsychotic action with a lower EPS risk at typical doses. The other options are traditional, first-generation antipsychotics. Haloperidol is a potent D2 blocker with a high risk of EPS. Chlorpromazine is a low-potency typical antipsychotic with more sedative and anticholinergic effects. Loxapine is generally categorized as a typical antipsychotic as well.

Second-generation antipsychotics combine dopamine D2 receptor blockade with serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonism, which helps treat both positive and negative symptoms while reducing extrapyramidal side effects compared with older drugs (though metabolic effects can be more common). Risperidone is a classic example of this class because it blocks both D2 and 5-HT2A receptors, giving effective antipsychotic action with a lower EPS risk at typical doses.

The other options are traditional, first-generation antipsychotics. Haloperidol is a potent D2 blocker with a high risk of EPS. Chlorpromazine is a low-potency typical antipsychotic with more sedative and anticholinergic effects. Loxapine is generally categorized as a typical antipsychotic as well.