Atypical neuroleptics and new antidepressants in the treatment of neurological disorders

Compared to the classical drugs, atypical neuroleptics and new antidepressa nts are characterised by different mechanisms of action and, in a number of aspects, by a more favourable side effect profile. Though primarily applie d in psychiatric disorders these properties prompted their use in neurologi cal diseases, where side effects of classical therapeutics, such as tricycl ic antidepressants, are often a major concern. For example, atypical neurol eptics, like clozapine, were successfully applied for the treatment of I-do pa-induced psychosis in Parkinson's disease without deterioration of motor functions. New antidepressants, like fluoxetine, have been shown to be effe ctive in emotionalism. This article provides an overview of the use of atyp ical neuroleptics and new antidepressants (focused on selective serotonin r euptake inhibitors) in the treatment of neurological disorders.