major tranquilliser
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A potent psychoactive drug, specifically a type of tranquilizer, used primarily in the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and other psychoses. Its primary function is to produce a significant calming or sedative effect and to manage symptoms like agitation, hallucinations, and delusions.
Usage
This term is used in medical and psychiatric contexts to describe a class of powerful medications. It is a technical term. - The psychiatrist prescribed a major tranquilliser to manage the patient's acute psychotic episode. - Treatment with a major tranquilliser often requires careful monitoring for side effects.
Advanced Usage
- The term is synonymous with antipsychotic or neuroleptic. These are the more common clinical terms in modern usage.
- It is often contrasted with a minor tranquilliser, which is typically used for anxiety and is less sedating.
Variants and Related Words
- Major tranquilizer: An alternative spelling, primarily American English.
- Antipsychotic (noun/adjective): The preferred contemporary term for this class of drugs.
- Neuroleptic (noun/adjective): Another technical term emphasizing the drug's effect on the nervous system.
Synonyms
- Antipsychotic
- Neuroleptic
- Powerful sedative (in a specific medical context)
Notes on Meaning
- The core meaning is a strong sedative medication for psychosis. It does not refer to mild calming agents or over-the-counter sleep aids.
- The calming effect is a means to treat the underlying psychotic condition, not merely to induce sleep.
Noun
- tranquilizer used to treat psychotic conditions when a calming effect is desired