What is the typical antipsychotic to know?

• A. Quetiapine
• B. Risperidone
• C. Haloperidol
• D. Clozapine

Answer: (C)

Haloperidol is the typical antipsychotic you should know. It embodies the first-generation drugs that primarily block dopamine D2 receptors, especially in the mesolimbic pathway, which effectively reduces positive symptoms of psychosis. Because of this strong D2 blockade, haloperidol is a classic example of a high-potency, first-generation antipsychotic and is often used as a standard reference in exams.

This class contrasts with the atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics, which also block serotonin receptors and tend to have broader receptor profiles, resulting in a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) overall. Quetiapine, risperidone, and clozapine are in that later group, with varying side-effect profiles such as sedation or metabolic effects (quetiapine), prolactin elevation (risperidone), or agranulocytosis risk (clozapine).