Antipsychotic drugs
Antipsychotic Drugs
Antipsychotic drugs, also known as neuroleptics or major tranquilizers, are a class of medication 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. Antipsychotic drugs are usually effective in relieving symptoms of psychosis in the short term.
Pronunciation
An-ti-sy-cho-tic drugs
Etymology
The term "antipsychotic" is derived from the Greek words "anti" (against) and "psyche" (mind).
Types of Antipsychotic Drugs
Antipsychotic drugs are broadly classified into two groups: the typical or first-generation antipsychotics and the atypical or second-generation antipsychotics.
- Typical antipsychotics are the first generation of antipsychotic drugs. They were first developed in the 1950s. Examples include chlorpromazine and haloperidol.
- Atypical antipsychotics are a group of antipsychotic drugs that are newer than the typical antipsychotics. They were developed in the 1980s. Examples include clozapine, risperidone, and olanzapine.
Mechanism of Action
Antipsychotic drugs primarily work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, specifically the D2 receptor. This reduces the transmission of dopamine in the brain, which is thought to be elevated in people with psychosis.
Side Effects
Like all medications, antipsychotic drugs can cause side effects. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and weight gain. Some antipsychotics can also cause serious side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antipsychotic drugs
- Wikipedia's article - Antipsychotic drugs
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