What type of medication is clozapine?

Clozapine is classified as a second-generation antipsychotic, which is important for treating management-resistant schizophrenia and reducing the risk of suicidal behavior in patients with this condition. Second-generation antipsychotics, also known as atypical antipsychotics, generally have a broader spectrum of action and typically cause fewer extrapyramidal side effects compared to first-generation antipsychotics. Clozapine's unique mechanism of action, which includes effects on serotonin and dopamine receptors, helps to address both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

The distinction between first and second-generation antipsychotics is crucial because it influences treatment choices based on individual patient needs and responses to medication. Other types of medications listed, such as atypical antidepressants and tricyclic antidepressants, serve different purposes and are not primarily used for treating psychosis, making them less relevant in the context of this question.