Second-generation antipsychotics block which receptors?

Second-generation antipsychotics block which receptors?

• A. Blocks serotonin only
• B. Blocks dopamine and serotonin receptors
• C. Blocks acetylcholine receptors
• D. Blocks GABA receptors

Answer: (B)

Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics work mainly by blocking dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This combination lets them control psychotic symptoms through dopamine blockade, while the serotonin antagonism modulates dopamine release in brain pathways, reducing extrapyramidal side effects and often improving negative symptoms and cognition. Other choices focus on acetylcholine or GABA or on serotonin alone, which doesn’t capture the key dual blockade that defines these medications. So blocking both dopamine and serotonin receptors best explains their mechanism.

Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics work mainly by blocking dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This combination lets them control psychotic symptoms through dopamine blockade, while the serotonin antagonism modulates dopamine release in brain pathways, reducing extrapyramidal side effects and often improving negative symptoms and cognition. Other choices focus on acetylcholine or GABA or on serotonin alone, which doesn’t capture the key dual blockade that defines these medications. So blocking both dopamine and serotonin receptors best explains their mechanism.