Atypical antipsychotics present exciting opportunities to improve the quality of life for many individuals who are experiencing the debilitating impact of schizophrenia, a syndrome with complex symptom presentations and unclear cause. In the past the antipsychotic efficacy was thought to correlate with the degree of dopamine blockade; this hypothesis has several limitations. Atypical antipsychotics hold promise for reduced side effects and improved efficacy in treating negative symptoms, possibly through the interactions of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Similar to clozapine, olanzapine (Zyprexa) has a bigh affinityfor a number of subtypes of dopamine receptors and other neurotransmitters. The interrelationship of its actions at multiple receptor sites may account for its improved efficacy in treating negative symptoms and its unique side effect profile.
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