neuroleptic

plural neuroleptics

1. medicineAn antipsychotic drug.

   Thus initially neuroleptics may increase DA turnover and possibly even its action depending on the degree of postsynaptic block.

   2001, Roy Webster, Neurotransmitters, Drugs and Brain Function, page 359

   2 more examples

   The time has come, therefore, to establish some definite criteria for the new drugs that Delay called neuroleptics, of which chlorpromazine and reserpine are the primary ones, although chemically different.

   1956, Journal of Clinical and Experimental Psychopathology & Quarterly Review of Psychiatry and Neurology, volume 17, page 383

   Neuroleptics, the first psychopharmacological treatments reported to be effective in adults, were interpreted as potent antianxiety drugs giving rise to the term "major tranquilizer" that was popular in the United States until the early 1970s and were also used to treat anxiety symptoms in children (as were other agents, including psychostimulants and antihistamintes).

   1990, N. Sartorius, Anxiety: Psychobiological and Clinical Perspectives, page 259

comparative more neuroleptic · superlative most neuroleptic

1. medicineHaving antipsychotic properties.

   The mechanisms underlying the appearance of the parkinson-like symptoms during neuroleptic treatments are not ascertained.

   1965, Horizons in Neuropsychopharmacology, page 121

   2 more examples

   By mouth in doses of 2 to 3 grains, combined with neuroleptic drugs, it has enabled us to bring about a certain number of improvements in chronic schizophrenics.

   1959, Psychopharmacology frontiers : proceedings of the psychopharmacology symposium, page 131

   The neuroleptic drugs, and especially the phenothiazines, interact with a number of neurotransmitter systems in the brain and these actions can account for many of the pharmacological properties of the drugs.

   2014, Philip B. Bradley, Introduction to Neuropharmacology, page 212