A comparison of the receptor binding affinities between typical and atypical antipsychotics. Typical antipsychotics primarily share antagonist activity at dopamine D2 receptors. In contrast, atypical antipsychotics generally have a high affinity for other types of receptors, such as serotonin receptors, and a comparatively lower affinity for dopamine D2 receptors.

University of Rochester

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These are a class of antipsychotic drugs that have a high affinity for other types of receptors and not dopamine receptors. They are also known as 2nd Generation Antipsychotics. They can be prescribed for Schizophrenia and other types of severe thought disorders. They can target dopamine and serotonin receptors to treat schizophrenia's negative symptoms, such as withdrawal and apathy; newer drugs may treat both positive and negative symptoms.

Atypical Antipsychotics include: 
- Aripiprazole (Abilify)

- Clozapine (Clozaril)

- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

- Quetiapine (Seroquel)

- Risperidone (Risperdal)

- Ziprasidone (Geodon)

Atypical Antipsychotics

A major class of antischizophrenic drugs that share an antagonist activity at dopamine D2 receptors

Typical Antipsychotics

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Although these drugs are less likely to cause motor effects than typical antipsychotics, atypical antipsychotic drugs are more likely to include the following side effects :
- Increased risk of obesity and diabetes 
- Elevate cholesterol levels
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness 

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