Second generation antipsychotics share some similarities but display also differences in their action. The pharmacological profile as well as the clinical efficacy and tolerability of these drugs currently on the market in Poland have been described. The analysis of their properties reveals distinct differences between the drugs. Those differences underline the value of the medications in the treatment of psychotic disorders. The differences allow tailoring the antipsychotic therapy to the individual needs of each single patient. Such a possibility to use the pharmacological agents according to the needs of the patient makes an important feature of the second generation drugs. At the same time it indicates that obvious differences in action exist inside the group.