Pharmacology: Quetiapine

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Introduction

Quetiapine, widely known by the brand name Seroquel, is a prominent antipsychotic medication in psychiatry, frequently prescribed for conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Of note, it is approved for the treatment of both bipolar mania & bipolar depression. To fully appreciate its therapeutic implications, let's delve deeper into quetiapine's psychopharmacology.

Mechanism of Action: An Overview

Quetiapine falls under the category of atypical antipsychotics. It has a broad binding profile and interacts with a diverse range of neuronal receptors. This expansive interaction contributes to its multiple clinical effects and its broad scope of therapeutic use.

Receptor Interactions: Unraveling Quetiapine's Action

Dopamine D2 Receptors: Quetiapine acts as a moderate antagonist at dopamine D2 receptors. This action helps decrease positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. The moderate affinity reduces the risk of extrapyramidal side effects associated with strong D2 antagonists.