Dopamine Antagonists

Dopamine antagonists are drugs that bind to but do not activate dopamine receptors thus slowing down or blocking the use of dopamine in the brain. Many drugs used in the treatment of psychotic disorders (Antipsychotic Agents) are dopamine antagonists, although their therapeutic effects may be due to long-term adjustments of the brain rather than to the acute effects of blocking dopamine receptors. Dopamine antagonists have been used for several other clinical purposes including as antiemetics, in the treatment of Tourette syndrome, and for hiccup. ¹

The most important group of dopamine antagonists are the phenothiazines; these are used not only in the treatment of psychosis, but also for the relief of nausea and vomiting. ²

Dopamine antagonists have also been found useful in animal compulsive disorders involving repetitive movements and motor tics. ³

References:
REF FILE #345-DG