What is the mechanism of action of typical antipsychotics?

The mechanism of action of typical antipsychotics primarily involves the inhibition of dopamine receptors, particularly the D2 subtype. These medications are designed to reduce the symptoms of psychosis by blocking dopamine transmission in the brain, which is believed to be overly active in conditions such as schizophrenia. This decrease in dopaminergic activity can help mitigate positive symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, that are characteristic of this condition.

Typical antipsychotics target these dopamine receptors in various areas of the brain, leading to alterations in neurotransmission that help stabilize mood and thought processes. While there are other neurotransmitter systems involved in mood and cognition, the central role of dopamine in the mechanisms underlying psychotic disorders makes the inhibition of dopamine receptors the hallmark action of typical antipsychotic drugs.