Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of tranquilizing drug: A neuroleptic is a medication that reduces nervous tension and agitation, primarily used to manage symptoms of psychosis, producing a calming or sedative effect.

Usage

• Neuroleptics are prescribed by psychiatrists.
• Treatment with a neuroleptic often requires careful dosage monitoring.
• The introduction of the neuroleptic revolutionized psychiatric care.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor prescribed a neuroleptic to help manage the patient's hallucinations.
  • Older neuroleptics are sometimes associated with significant side effects.
  • Her condition improved after she began taking a neuroleptic.

Advanced Usage

• "Typical neuroleptic": Refers to first-generation antipsychotic drugs, primarily effective against positive symptoms (like delusions) but with a higher risk of movement-related side effects.

  • Haloperidol is a well-known typical neuroleptic.

• "Atypical neuroleptic": Refers to second-generation antipsychotic drugs, which may treat a broader range of symptoms and often have a different side-effect profile.

  • Clozapine was one of the first atypical neuroleptics.

Variants and Related Words

• Neuroleptanalgesia (n): A state of quiescence and analgesia produced by a combination of a neuroleptic and an analgesic agent.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (n): A rare but serious reaction to neuroleptic drugs, characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction.

Synonyms

• Antipsychotic: A drug used to treat psychosis; this is the more modern and commonly used term.
• Major tranquilizer: An older term for the same class of drugs, emphasizing their strong sedative effect.

Related Phrases

• "On neuroleptics": Describing a person who is currently being treated with this class of medication.

  • The patient has been stable while on neuroleptics.

• "Neuroleptic-induced": Used to describe conditions or side effects caused by these drugs.

  • She developed neuroleptic-induced parkinsonism.

Noun

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