Introduction. What Makes an Antipsychotic Atypical?

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The term atypical antipsychotic has caused a good deal of debate and confusion, because its meaning has evolved over time, and those with different perspectives on this issue tend to define this term differently.¹ To a pharmacologist, it can mean "serotonin-2A (5-HT_2A)-dopamine-2 (D₂) antagonist" or "multiple simultaneous neurotransmitter binding activities." To a prescriber, it can mean "low extrapyramidal symptoms" or "reduction of negative symptoms."’ ‹