Short Wave A Brand New Kind of Schizophrenia Treatment
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Oct 23, 2024 Sydney Lupkin, NPR's pharmaceutical correspondent, dives deep into revolutionary changes in schizophrenia treatment. After decades of relying on dopamine-focused therapies, a newly FDA-approved drug targets muscarinic receptors, which could reduce brutal side effects. Sydney explores the unexpected origins of this breakthrough, the challenges surrounding new medication accessibility, and the hopeful stories of those navigating these changes. This discussion sheds light on a future where schizophrenia treatments may become more effective and compassionate.
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Tiffany's Medication Struggle
- Tiffany, a librarian with schizophrenia, felt like a zombie on her first antipsychotic.
- She stopped taking it, only to relapse later and face the "meds game" again.
Dopamine's Role and Side Effects
- Current schizophrenia medications target dopamine, like the first ones from the 1950s.
- This neurotransmitter has many functions, leading to various side effects.
Accidental Discovery
- A potential Alzheimer's drug in 1997 accidentally showed promise in reducing psychosis.
- Despite this, it caused severe gastrointestinal side effects and was shelved.