schizophrenia is a major public disease associated with a non-overt inflammation. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is an important pro-inflammatory marker involved in initiation and propagation of the immune response. Various studies carried out on schizophrenic patients showed an elevation of proinflammatory factors-like TNFα. Furthermore, it has been reported that these markers play a role in the aetiology of schizophrenia. In fact, recent studies indicated that antipsychotic drugs modulate the level of these markers. The present study aimed to describe the role of antipsychotic medications on the alteration of TNFα level. serum levels of TNFα in schizophrenic patients were measured and compared with those of the apparently healthy control subjects. Two commonly prescribed antipsychotics; olanzapine and risperidone, were included in the study. the results showed that both drugs (olanzapine (p< 0.05) and risperidone (p< 0.001)) significantly reduced TNFα level compared to baseline and control levels, moreover, the onset of reduction was 4-weeks earlier with risperidone compared with olanzapine. the study concluded that the anti-inflammatory potency of risperidone is higher than olanzapine and the onset of anti-inflammatory action initiated earlier with the risperidone therapy compared to olanzapine; showing a priority of risperidone for an application in first-episode drug-naive schizophrenia and acute schizophrenic attacks.