Pimozide

Course Summary

Pimozide is a first generation antipsychotic drug that selectively blocks dopamine receptor D2 and is used to treat psychiatric mood disorders, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders. It works by reducing dopamine activity, hence decreasing excessive energy and excitation. Pimozide is FDA-approved for the treatment of Tourette syndrome, and may be used to augment selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor response in treatment-resistant refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder and obsessive-compulsive-related disorders. The drug has been reported to be effective in the treatment of behavioral symptoms in patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. On the other hand, the benefit of pimozide as an adjunctive agent with certain antipsychotic drugs such as clozaril has been questioned. Researchers have revisited the use of pimozide in clinical practice given its relatively low side effect profile. Pimozide has been investigated most recently as a possible mediator of cancer suppression and anti-cancer agent.