Tag: Dopamine antagonist

Recent data suggest the incidence of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is approximately 0.01–0.02% in patients exposed to neuroleptics [1.2.1]. A critical question for clinicians and patients is: **Can haloperidol trigger NMS?** The answer is yes; it's a well-documented association [1.2.5, 1.2.6].

First developed in the 1950s, a neuroleptic agent drug, also known as an antipsychotic, is a class of medication primarily used to manage symptoms of psychosis. These powerful drugs work by altering neurotransmitter levels in the brain to reduce confusion, delusions, and hallucinations.

As a member of the phenothiazine class of drugs, promethazine is known to block a variety of neurotransmitter receptors, including those for dopamine. This action means that promethazine effectively functions as a dopamine antagonist, decreasing the neurotransmitter's activity in specific areas of the brain.

In 2020, over 600,000 prescriptions for prochlorperazine were issued in the United States [1.3.3]. The answer to **'Does prochlorperazine affect dopamine?'** is a definitive yes; its primary mechanism of action involves blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which is key to both its therapeutic effects and its potential side effects [1.2.1, 1.3.3].

With a black box warning from the FDA concerning the risk of severe, often irreversible, movement disorders, Reglan's impact on the central nervous system warrants close attention. To understand these serious risks, it is essential to explore what does Reglan do to the brain and how its central actions are responsible for these adverse effects.

Haldol is the brand name for a first-generation antipsychotic medication. The most common and primary generic name for this drug is haloperidol. A related, long-acting injectable form is also known as haloperidol decanoate, and internationally, other brand names like Serenace are used.

While commonly known as a potent antipsychotic, haloperidol belongs to the butyrophenone class of drugs and functions primarily as a dopamine D2 antagonist, making it a highly effective antiemetic for nausea and vomiting. Its anti-nausea effects stem from its ability to block specific receptors in the brain's chemoreceptor trigger zone.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Black Box Warning for metoclopramide due to the risk of serious movement disorders. Understanding **what are serious side effects of metoclopramide** is vital for patient safety, as prolonged use can lead to potentially irreversible conditions like tardive dyskinesia.

Haloperidol is a first-generation antipsychotic medication belonging to the butyrophenone class, which, by acting as a potent dopamine antagonist, is also highly effective as an antiemetic. Its anti-nausea and vomiting properties have made it a valuable tool in managing specific, often refractory, cases of emesis.

Approximately 10% of patients taking metoclopramide experience side effects like restlessness, drowsiness, and fatigue [1.2.3]. Beyond these, what are the side effects of metoclopramide for the brain? This medication carries significant neurological risks that users need to understand.