antipsychotic agent
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A type of medication, specifically a major tranquilizer or neuroleptic, used in the treatment of psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia) to reduce agitation, delusions, and hallucinations by producing a calming or sedative effect.
Usage
- As a subject: The antipsychotic agent was effective in managing her symptoms.
- As an object: The doctor prescribed a new antipsychotic agent.
- With modifiers: The antipsychotic agent has fewer side effects.
Examples
- Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic agent.
- The introduction of a new antipsychotic agent improved the patient's quality of life.
- Treatment often begins with a low dose of an antipsychotic agent.
Advanced Usage
- In clinical contexts: The choice of an antipsychotic agent depends on the patient's symptom profile and tolerance for side effects.
- In pharmacological discussion: This antipsychotic agent acts primarily as a dopamine receptor antagonist.
Variants and Related Words
- Antipsychotic (noun/adjective): A more common shorter form. (e.g., She takes an .)
- Neuroleptic (noun/adjective): A technical synonym often used interchangeably with antipsychotic agent.
- Major tranquilizer: An older term for antipsychotic agent.
Synonyms
- Neuroleptic
- Major tranquilizer
- Antipsychotic drug
Related Phrases
- Atypical antipsychotic (agent): A newer class of antipsychotic medications with a different side effect profile.
- First-generation antipsychotic (agent): Refers to typical or conventional antipsychotics.
Notes
The term "agent" in "antipsychotic agent" specifically denotes a chemical or drug substance used to produce a therapeutic effect. It is a formal term common in medical and pharmacological writing.
Noun
- tranquilizer used to treat psychotic conditions when a calming effect is desired