Final answer:
The most widely used atypical antipsychotic medications are risperidone and clozapine. They are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of psychosis including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These medications are distinct from anxiolytics and MAO inhibitors, which serve different therapeutic purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Most Widely Used Atypical Antipsychotic Medications
The two most widely used atypical antipsychotic medications are risperidone and clozapine. Risperidone, known by the brand name Risperdal, works by antagonizing D2 and serotonin type 2 receptors, along with additional receptors such as a adrenergic and histaminergic H1 receptors. On the other hand, clozapine is recognized for its effectiveness in treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and it is often utilized when other antipsychotic drugs have failed.
Both of these medications play a crucial role in managing psychosis, including symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thought. In contrast, substances like Xanax, an anxiolytic, and MAO inhibitors, which are antidepressants, are not classified as antipsychotics and therefore do not fall into this category.