What is the difference between the older and newer antipsychotic medications?

The older antipsychotic medications used for schizophrenia only target one type of neurotransmitter receptors (dopamine), and the newer medications also target serotonin. This adds benefits of improving symptoms of mood and cognition. Side effects of the older meds focus mainly on movement abnormalities and cardiac risks. The newer meds create fewer issues with abnormal movements overall, but they require more monitoring for issues related to weight gain, lipids, and blood sugar.

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