antipsychotic
Definition
Noun: A type of medication, specifically a major tranquilizer or neuroleptic, used primarily to manage and reduce the symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking, by producing a calming or sedative effect.
Usage
Antipsychotics are prescribed by doctors to treat conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression with psychotic features. They work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine.
Examples
- The doctor prescribed an antipsychotic to help manage the patient's hallucinations.
- First-generation antipsychotics, like haloperidol, often have different side effects compared to newer, atypical ones.
- Adherence to the antipsychotic regimen is crucial for long-term stability.
Advanced Usage
- "Atypical antipsychotic": Refers to a newer class of these drugs (e.g., risperidone, olanzapine) that typically have a different side-effect profile, often causing fewer movement disorders but potentially more metabolic effects.
- "Antipsychotic polypharmacy": The clinical practice of prescribing more than one antipsychotic medication to a single patient, which is sometimes controversial.
Variants and Related Words
- Neuroleptic (noun): A synonym often used interchangeably with "antipsychotic," emphasizing the drug's effect on nervous system activity.
- Major tranquilizer (noun): An older term for antipsychotic, highlighting its strong sedating properties.
Synonyms
- Neuroleptic
- Major tranquilizer
Related Phrases
- Antipsychotic agent: A more formal term for the medication.
- Antipsychotic drug: Another common descriptive phrase.
Noun
-
tranquilizer used to treat psychotic conditions when a calming effect is desired
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