neuroleptic
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- tranquilizer used to treat psychotic conditions when a calming effect is desired