Does Loxapine Have "Atypical" Properties? Clinical Evidence

Given findings at a pharmacologic level that loxapine has a ratio of serotonin (5-HT2) and dopamine (D2) binding affinity similar to that of the atypical antipsychotics, I review data at a clinical level to see if this agent has correlating effects on symptoms and behaviors. I conclude that there is reason to infer that loxapine may be more beneficial for negative symptoms and refractory states than other typical antipsychotic agents. However, because of the limitations within these older studies, controlled fixed-dose designs employing current outcome methodologies are needed before concluding that loxapine is an atypical antipsychotic agent.