Update on newer antipsychotic drugs

Abstract

This article briefly reviews the novel atypical second-generation antipsychotic drugs iloperidone (Fanapt®), asenapine (Saphris®), and lurasidone (Latuda®), all of which have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since 2009. Each is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia, and asenapine has an additional indication for bipolar disorder. Very little information is available on their use in other disorders, pediatric and geriatric patients, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Their overall efficacy is no different than other antipsychotic drugs, but they do have different side effect profiles. Because of their unique pharmacologies and different tolerability profiles, they may be a more effective alternative for patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate other antipsychotic drugs.