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 It is still used for agents (e.g., droperidol) producing such effects as part of anesthesia or analgesia, but is outdated as a synonym for antipsychotic agents because newer agents do not necessarily have such effects.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
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
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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