Ziprasidone

Ziprasidone is a novel antipsychotic drug. It has high affinity for serotonin 5-HT2 and dopamine D-2 receptors in vitro, with an Ii-fold higher affinity for 5-HT2 than for D-2 receptors, suggestive of a low potential for inducing motor disturbance [including extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)]. The effects of ziprasidone in receptor binding studies reflected its in vitro pharmacology, with more potent effects against 5-HT2 receptor-than against D-2 receptor-mediated behaviour. Because ziprasidone inhibits serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) reuptake, it may have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Data from phase II and III clinical trials have shown ziprasidone to be effective in reducing the positive and negative symptoms of, and depression associated with, schizophrenia, and in reducing anxiety in patients about to undergo dental surgery. Ziprasidone was generally well tolerated in phase II and III clinical trials, with somnolence and nausea being the most frequently reported adverse events in placebo-controlled studies. Motor disturbances, including EPS, were infrequently observed.