neuroleptic
/ˌnjʊərə(ʊ)ˈlɛptɪk
/Medicine
adjective
(Of a drug) tending to reduce nervous tension by depressing nerve functions.A number of the older tricyclic antidepressants, typical neuroleptic medications and, more recently, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been trialed in eating disorders....
- Treatment of delirium requires use of neuroleptic drugs, such as haloperidol and chlorpromazine, not sedatives.
- Judicious doses of neuroleptic medication may be required if hallucinations occur.
noun
A neuroleptic drug; a major tranquillizer.The drugs used for schizophrenia are antipsychotics or neuroleptics (major tranquillizers)....
- In practice, however, drugs such as neuroleptics and other sedatives are often prescribed in an attempt to control what can be an alarming situation.
- Other agents, such as lithium, neuroleptics, trazadone and benzodiazepines, have not proved effective.
Origin
1950s: from neuro- 'relating to nerves' + -leptic, as in organoleptic.