Remoxipride is a D2 receptorblocker.It is as effective as haloperidol with fewer EPS andautonomic side effects. Negative symptoms of schizophreniaare diminished. The drug is classed as an atypical antipsychotic.Life-threatening aplastic anemia was reported with itsuse, which prompted its withdrawal from the market.
With respect to the atypical antipsychotics, two eventslong in the past may shed some light on the events of today.
The field of reuptake-inhibiting antidepressants arose whenonly a very small structural change was made in an antipsychoticdrug, and the new activity noted. (The antipsychoticactivity remained.) Therefore, small changes in structurecan produce antipsychotics that are active against depressivesymptoms. Likewise, small changes in structure could provideselectivity among D2 receptors.
