Atypical Antipsychotics on the NCLEX
Risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole: metabolic syndrome, clozapine ANC monitoring.
Atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics treat schizophrenia, bipolar, augmentation in depression. NCLEX tests metabolic side effects and clozapine's neutropenia.
Common drugs
Risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, clozapine, paliperidone, lurasidone.
Side effects
Metabolic syndrome (weight gain, glucose, lipids, olanzapine and clozapine worst). Sedation. Hyperprolactinemia (risperidone). QT prolongation (ziprasidone). NMS rare. EPS less than typicals but possible.
Clozapine specifics
Agranulocytosis, weekly ANC monitoring required (REMS program). Most effective for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Drooling, sedation. Myocarditis rare.
Monitoring
Baseline and periodic: weight, BMI, fasting glucose, lipids, BP. AIMS for tardive dyskinesia.
Frequently asked
Clozapine ANC threshold to hold?
ANC <1500 typically hold. Specific cutoffs per protocol.
Long-acting injectables?
Paliperidone palmitate, aripiprazole, risperidone microspheres, for adherence issues.
Quick check
Loading a question…
How ready are you right now?
10 real NCLEX questions, free, in your browser. See how close you are to ready and which subjects are costing you.
Try 10 questions free