Dryness of mouth caused by antipsychotic drug is caused by blockade of:
## **Core Concept**
The question tests the understanding of the side effects of antipsychotic drugs, specifically the mechanism behind dryness of mouth (xerostomia) as a side effect. Antipsychotic drugs primarily act on the dopamine system but also have effects on other neurotransmitter systems.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **. Muscarinic receptors**, is right because antipsychotic drugs, especially the typical ones, can cause blockade of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. This blockade leads to a decrease in salivation, resulting in dryness of the mouth. Muscarinic receptors are involved in the parasympathetic stimulation of salivary glands; blocking these receptors reduces salivation.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** Blockade of dopamine receptors is the primary mechanism of action of antipsychotic drugs, leading to their therapeutic effects and some side effects like extrapyramidal symptoms. However, it is not directly responsible for dryness of mouth.
- **Option B:** While adrenergic receptors can influence various bodily functions, the blockade of these receptors is not primarily associated with the side effect of dry mouth caused by antipsychotic drugs.
- **Option D:** Histaminic receptors are involved in sedation, a common side effect of many antipsychotic drugs. Blockade of these receptors leads to sedation but not directly to dryness of mouth.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that anticholinergic side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision, are more commonly associated with typical (first-generation) antipsychotics due to their muscarinic receptor blockade. This is a critical distinction in psychopharmacology.
## **Correct Answer: C. Muscarinic receptors**