Chlorpromazine works primarily by blocking D2 receptors and this action is believed to be responsible for controlling the symptoms of schizophrenia. Its side effects may be due to chlorpromazine's block of adrenergic, cholinergic, 5-HT and histaminergic receptors. A widely used medication, Haloperidol is used to treat schizophrenia and is available as a depot. It is associated with EPS but does not lead to sedation, like chlorpromazine. Other side effects are as in chlorpromazine.
Haloperidol acts selectively on dopamine receptors.
Ziprasidone is now undergoing further trials. This drug was available in the UK but was withdrawn in 1998 because of concerns about one of its side-effects that caused heart arrhythmias ECG monitoring is essential. Sertindole is an atypical antipsychotic with 5-HT and D2 receptor activity. Side effects of antipsychotics Antipsychotic medication can produce a wide range of side-effects ranging from mildly unpleasant to severe and potentially debilitating. It is beyond the scope of this article to list every single possible side-effect, but here are a few of the more common ones.