A pharmacological and theoretical comparison of high and low potency neuroleptics.

Side effects of high and low potency neuroleptics are contrasted. Low potency drugs are more likely to cause central, autonomic and peripheral side effects of all types with the exception of extrapyramidal symptoms. The tendency to produce tardive dyskinesia cannot be compared as relevant data do not currently exist. Greater affinity for the dopamine receptor and twenty to seventy-fold greater milligram and molar potency are advanced as arguments for greater specificity of high potency drugs in the treatment of psychoses. It is proposed that the high potency neuroleptics might be considered the drugs of choice in the treatment of schizophrenia and schizophreniform psychoses.