Definition

Noun: A type of medication, also known as a major tranquilizer or neuroleptic, primarily used to manage and reduce the symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking. Its primary effect is to calm and sedate.

Usage

An antipsychotic drug is prescribed by a doctor for serious mental health conditions. It is a specific medical term. - The psychiatrist prescribed an antipsychotic drug to help manage the patient's schizophrenia. - Older antipsychotic drugs often had more severe side effects than newer ones.

Advanced Usage

• First-generation (typical) antipsychotics: These older drugs (e.g., haloperidol) are effective but carry a higher risk of movement-related side effects.
• Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics: These newer drugs (e.g., risperidone, olanzapine) target a broader range of symptoms and have a different side-effect profile, though they may increase the risk of metabolic issues.

Variants and Related Words

• Antipsychotic (noun/adjective): The more common short form.
  • She is on an antipsychotic.
• Neuroleptic (noun): A technical synonym.
• Major tranquilizer (noun): An older term, now less common.

Synonyms

• Neuroleptic
• Major tranquilizer

Related Phrases

• Antipsychotic medication: A more general, patient-friendly term with the same meaning.
  • He takes antipsychotic medication daily.

Noun

1. tranquilizer used to treat psychotic conditions when a calming effect is desired