Which of the following is a second-generation antipsychotic?

• A. Haloperidol
• B. Risperidone
• C. Chlorpromazine
• D. Clozapine

Answer: (B)

Second-generation antipsychotics combine dopamine D2 receptor blockade with serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonism, which helps treat psychotic symptoms while reducing motor side effects compared with older drugs. Risperidone embodies this profile: it blocks D2 receptors to address positive symptoms and also antagonizes 5-HT2A receptors, offering broader symptom coverage with a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms than typical antipsychotics. That dual-action profile is the hallmark of the second-generation class, making risperidone a classic example. By contrast, older drugs like haloperidol and chlorpromazine are primarily D2 blockers and carry a higher risk of motor side effects. Clozapine is also an atypical antipsychotic with its own unique safety considerations, but risperidone is a standard representative of the second-generation category.