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Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Haloperidol
Marshall W Tyler1, Josefa Zaldivar-Diez1,2, Stephen J Haggarty1
1Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Medicine, Chemical Biology Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.
Abstract:
The discovery of haloperidol catalyzed a breakthrough in our understanding of the biochemical basis of schizophrenia, improved the treatment of psychosis, and facilitated deinstitutionalization. In doing so, it solidified the role for chemical neuroscience as a means to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of complex neuropsychiatric disorders. In this Review, we will cover aspects of haloperidol's synthesis, manufacturing, metabolism, pharmacology, approved and off-label indications, and adverse effects. We will also convey the fascinating history of this classic molecule and the influence that it has had on the evolution of neuropsychopharmacology and neuroscience.
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