List of antipsychotic medications

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Antipsychotic Medications

Antipsychotic medications, also known as neuroleptics, are a class of drugs primarily used to manage psychosis (including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia or disordered thought), principally in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They are increasingly being used in the management of non-psychotic disorders. Antipsychotics are usually effective in relieving symptoms of psychosis in the short term.

Etymology

The term "antipsychotic" is derived from the Greek words anti (against) and psychotic (pertaining to the mind). It was first used in the 1950s to describe the action of these medications on reducing psychotic symptoms.

Types of Antipsychotic Medications

There are two main types of antipsychotic medications:

1. Typical Antipsychotics: Also known as first-generation antipsychotics, these were the first antipsychotic drugs to be developed. They include medications such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol.

2. Atypical Antipsychotics: Also known as second-generation antipsychotics, these are newer medications that have been developed more recently. They include medications such as clozapine, risperidone, and olanzapine.

Pronunciation

Antipsychotic: /ˌænti.saɪˈkɒtɪk/

Related Terms

See Also

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