Which medication is classified as a second generation antipsychotic?

Clozaril, known generically as clozapine, is classified as a second-generation antipsychotic. Second-generation antipsychotics are often referred to as atypical antipsychotics because they generally have a different side effect profile compared to first-generation antipsychotics. These medications are primarily used to treat schizophrenia and other mood disorders, and they tend to have a lower risk of causing extrapyramidal symptoms, which are common with first-generation agents.

Clozapine is particularly notable for its effectiveness in treatment-resistant schizophrenia and is also used to reduce the risk of suicide in this population. The unique mechanism of action of clozapine, which involves a combination of dopamine receptor antagonism and serotonin receptor antagonism, is a hallmark of many second-generation antipsychotics.

In contrast, the other medications listed—thioridazine, Prolixin (fluphenazine), and Stelazine (trifluoperazine)—are classified as first-generation antipsychotics. These first-generation agents primarily work as dopamine receptor antagonists but are associated with a higher incidence of movement disorders due to their activity on dopamine pathways in the basal ganglia.