neuroleptic /neu·ro·lep·tic/ (-lep´tik) originally, referring to the effects on cognition and behavior of the first antipsychotic agents: a state of apathy, lack of initiative, and limited range of emotion, and in psychotic patients, reduction in confusion and agitation and normalization of psychomotor activity. It is still used for agents (e.g., droperidol) producing such effects as part of anesthesia or analgesia, but is outdated as a synonym for antipsychotic agents because newer agents do not necessarily have such effects.
Neuroleptic
neuroleptic
neuroleptic [noor″o-lep´tik]
neuroleptic
neu·ro·lep·tic (n r  -l p t k)n. A tranquilizing drug, especially one used in treating mental disorders. adj. Having a tranquilizing effect. |
Neuroleptic
Another name for older antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol. The term does not apply to such newer atypical agents as clozapine (Clozaril).
Mentioned in: Personality Disorders, Schizophrenia
neuroleptic
[-lep′tik]
Etymology: Gk, neuron + lepsis, seizure
1 pertaining to neurolepsis.
2 See neuroleptic drug.
neuroleptic [noor″o-lep´tik]
a term coined to refer to the effects on cognition and behavior of the original antipsychotic agents, which produced a state of apathy, lack of initiative, and limited range of emotion and in psychotic patients caused a reduction in confusion and agitation and normalization of psychomotor activity. The term is still used to refer to agents, such as droperidol, used to produce such effects as part of anesthesia or analgesia; however, it is outdated as a synonym for antipsychotic agents because newer agents do not necessarily have such effects.
neuroleptic malignant syndrome a rare but dramatic condition that occurs in severely ill patients being treated with high-potency antipsychotics (neuroleptics); symptoms include diaphoresis, muscle rigidity, and hyperpyrexia. It is believed to be caused by dopamine blockade in the hypothalamus.
neuroleptic
1. modifying psychotic behavior.
2. any drug that favorably modifies psychotic clinical signs; the main categories of neuroleptics include the phenothiazines, butyrophenones and thioxanthenes. Called also antipsychotic and major tranquilizer.
Drugs of this type stabilize mood and reduce anxiety, tension and hyperactivity. They are also effective in helping to control agitation and aggressiveness.
neuroleptic
Psychiatry An agent used to treat psychotic illnesses–eg, obsessive-compulsive disorder
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