Category: Toxicology
Keywords: atypical antipsychotic toxicity (PubMed Search)
Posted: 9/8/2016 by Hong Kim, MD
(Updated: 12/26/2024)
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Antipsychotic as a class has diverse range of toxicity. The atypical (2nd generation) antipsychotics are considered to possess less toxicologic manifestation compared to the typical (1st generation) antipsychotics - lower K channel blockade and minimum Na channel blockade properties. However, select atypical antipsychotics overdose can results in significant morbidity in addition to sedation.
Alpha-1 blockade (hypotension)
Antimuscarinic effect (anticholinergic toxicity)
Delayed rectifier K channel blockade (QT prolongation)
Bottom line: Although lethal overdose from atypical antipsychotics are rare, they can result in significant clinical toxicity when ingested alone or in combintation with other classes of medications.