Focus on aripiprazole

This paper is an overview of recently published research concerning the neuroleptic drug aripiprazole. Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic drug with high affinity for D-2- and D-3-receptors and the dopamine autoreceptor. It also has serotonin 5-HT1A-receptor partial agonist and 5-HT2A-receptor antagonist properties. It is prescribed in the treatment of schizophrenia and is under investigation for treatment of bipolar disorder. The drug is given by mouth in an initial dose of 10 or 15 mg once daily. The dose may be adjusted at intervals of not less than 2 weeks up to a maximum of 30 mg daily. It appears to be useful in the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and has a better side-effect profile than haloperidol.