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Intramuscular aripiprazole, olanzapine

Veterans Medical Research Foundation · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Aripiprazole and olanzapine are atypical antipsychotics that modulate dopamine and serotonin signaling in the brain to reduce psychotic symptoms and stabilize mood.

Aripiprazole and olanzapine are atypical antipsychotics that modulate dopamine and serotonin signaling in the brain to reduce psychotic symptoms and stabilize mood. Used for Schizophrenia (maintenance treatment via intramuscular injection), Bipolar I disorder (maintenance treatment via intramuscular injection).

At a glance

Generic nameIntramuscular aripiprazole, olanzapine
Also known asAripiprazole -> Olanzapine
SponsorVeterans Medical Research Foundation
Drug classAtypical antipsychotic
TargetDopamine D2 receptor; Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor; Serotonin 5-HT1A receptor
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaPsychiatry
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Aripiprazole acts as a dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist and serotonin 5-HT1A partial agonist, while olanzapine is a dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonist. Both agents work through different mechanisms but converge on reducing hyperactivity in mesolimbic and mesocortical dopamine pathways implicated in psychosis, while the intramuscular formulation provides sustained therapeutic levels for improved medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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