Pharmacology: Aripiprazole

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Aripiprazole, better known by its brand name Abilify, is a bit unique compared to other antipsychotics. Unlike the majority of its counterparts which predominantly block dopamine receptors, aripiprazole has the fascinating title of a "partial dopamine agonist." Let’s break down what this means and why it's unique.

Other partial dopamine agonists include brexiprazole & cariprazine

Dopamine: The Neurotransmitter in Focus

Understanding aripiprazole begins with an understanding of dopamine—a neurotransmitter implicated in mood, motivation, pleasure, and reward. Its dysregulation plays a role in disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Traditionally, antipsychotic medications target dopamine receptors to rectify this imbalance. Most antipsychotics act as dopamine antagonists. These block dopamine receptors, curbing dopamine activity. This effect can contribute to a worsening of negative symptoms of schizophrenia by exacerbating already low dopamine availability in the mesocortical pathway.

However, aripiprazole doesn't fit neatly into this framework. It's a partial agonist.

The Result of Partial Agonism

Partial agonists, like aripiprazole, are sort of the "Goldilocks" compounds.