Molecular Features Triggered by Antipsychotic Medication in Brain Cells.

Treating schizophrenia is a challenge currently handled with the use of antipsychotic drugs. Despite being the most applied treatment strategy, current antipsychotics present severe limitations and side effects which impact patients' health and quality of life. For instance, although these drugs target mainly the dopamine system, they present target promiscuity and work by distinct mechanisms of action. As a consequence, complete comprehension of their pharmacological properties remains elusive. This chapter highlights research from the past 5 years that contributed to our current understanding of the mechanism of action and molecular features triggered by antipsychotic drugs in brain cells. In addition, we briefly discuss potential new therapeutic targets and strategies to treat schizophrenia.