Dopamine Partial Agonists (Wiki)

A new class of antipsychotic, research into Dopamine Partial Agonists is progressing rapidly and is looking very promising. More often than not, Dopamine Partial Agonists are labelled as atypical antipsychotics.



Aripiprazole (Wiki)

Brand names: Abilify®
Formula: C23H27Cl2N3O2
Half life: ~ 75 hours
Single unit dose: 3mg per day
Recommended outpatient dose: 15mg per day [
Verified]
Maximum outpatient dose: 30mg per day [
Verified]

The most recent approved antipsychotic drug (at time of writing), aripiprazole is being heralded as a wonder drug. It appears to be more guarunteed to demonstrate positive results than other atypical antipsychotics and is generally well tolerated. Its stimulant effect also makes it useful in the treatment of melancholic disorders; on top of this, aripiprazole seems to have a solid antidepressant effect as well.

Unfortunately, as with any
medication, aripiprazole does have downsides. The most prevelant of these is a particular side effect, namely unwanted movement which can included teeth chattering, restless legs and so on. The stimulant effect can meddle in ones sleep and can cause fatigue after prolonged actiovity.

Finally,
Aripiprazole was, on 20th November 2007, approved for use in addition with antidepressants in combatting depression.

Asenapine (Wiki)

Brand names: None known
Formula: C17H16ClNO
Half life: ~ Unknown
Single unit dose: Unknown
Recommended outpatient dose: 10mg per day
[Highly Questionable]
Maximum outpatient dose: Unknown


The only thing that I know about this drug is that it is also effective in combating clinical depression. It is still under development.

Bifeprunox (Wiki)

Brand names: None known
Formula: C25H26ClN3O5S
Half life: Unknown
Single unit dose: Unknown
Recommended outpatient dose: Unknown
Maximum outpatient dose: Unknown


This drug is still under development and is intended to be released in 2007. Its mode of action is slightly different to the original atypical antipsychotic drugs and is comparable to the drug aripiprazole of the same family. Trials have shown bifeprunox to be extremely well tolerated, exhibiting no weight gain side effects or impacact on blood sugar levels. Of all four atypical antipsychotics currently under developments, this drug is anticipated to be the most successful, both clinically and financially.

Mosapramine (Wiki)

Brand names: None known
Formula: C28H35ClN4O
Half life: Unknown
Single unit dose: Unknown
Recommended outpatient dose: Unknown
Maximum outpatient dose: Unknown


Mosapramine is a potent Dopamine antagonist with a high affinity for D2, D3 and D4 receptors but a low affinity for 5-HT2 receptors.

Norclozapine (Wiki)

Brand names: None known
Formula: Unknown
Half life: Unknown
Single unit dose: Unknown
Recommended outpatient dose: Unknown
Maximum outpatient dose: Unknown

No current data.