Which drug class includes serotonin-dopamine antagonists?

The drug class that includes serotonin-dopamine antagonists is the second generation antipsychotics. This class of medications is designed to treat various psychiatric conditions, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Serotonin-dopamine antagonists work by blocking both serotonin (5-HT2A) and dopamine (D2) receptors in the brain, which helps to alleviate positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations and delusions, while also addressing negative symptoms and mood stabilization.

Second generation antipsychotics typically have a lower risk of extrapyramidal side effects compared to first generation antipsychotics, which primarily target dopamine receptors and can lead to motor control issues. Therefore, the unique action of serotonin-dopamine antagonists within the second generation of antipsychotics accounts for their therapeutic efficacy and better tolerability.

In contrast, first generation antipsychotics primarily act as dopamine antagonists and do not target serotonin receptors in the same manner. Tricyclic antidepressants focus on norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibition without a significant mechanism involving dopamine antagonism. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, on the other hand, work by inhibiting the breakdown of monoamines, thereby increasing levels of neurotransmitters, but they do not specifically act