Clozapine belongs to which class of antipsychotics?

Clozapine belongs to which class of antipsychotics?

• A. Typical antipsychotic
• B. Antidepressant
• C. Atypical antipsychotic
• D. Anxiolytic

Answer: (C)

Clozapine is an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic. This class was developed to treat schizophrenia with fewer extrapyramidal side effects than older, typical antipsychotics, because they block dopamine D2 receptors while also strongly antagonizing serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. That broader receptor activity helps with a wider range of symptoms and reduces the risk of motor side effects, though it brings other concerns like metabolic effects and, specifically for clozapine, agranulocytosis requiring regular blood monitoring. It is not an antidepressant or an anxiolytic, and it isn’t classified as a typical antipsychotic.

Clozapine is an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic. This class was developed to treat schizophrenia with fewer extrapyramidal side effects than older, typical antipsychotics, because they block dopamine D2 receptors while also strongly antagonizing serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. That broader receptor activity helps with a wider range of symptoms and reduces the risk of motor side effects, though it brings other concerns like metabolic effects and, specifically for clozapine, agranulocytosis requiring regular blood monitoring. It is not an antidepressant or an anxiolytic, and it isn’t classified as a typical antipsychotic.