Definition: Agents that control agitated psychotic behavior, alleviate acute psychotic states, reduce psychotic symptoms, and exert a quieting effect. They are used in SCHIZOPHRENIA; senile dementia; transient psychosis following surgery; or MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION; etc. These drugs are often referred to as neuroleptics alluding to the tendency to produce neurological side effects, but not all antipsychotics are likely to produce such effects. Many of these drugs may also be effective against nausea, emesis, and pruritus.
note entry term ANTIPSYCHOTIC EFFECT: use only for the antipsychotic effect of a chemical substance
See AlsoDopamine Antagonists
Other names Tranquilizing Agents, Major; Neuroleptics; Tranquilizers, Major; Major Tranquillizing Agents; Major Tranquilizing Agents; Effects, Antipsychotic; Effect, Antipsychotic; Drugs, Neuroleptic; Drugs, Antipsychotic; Agents, Neuroleptic; Agents, Major Tranquillizing; Agents, Major Tranquilizing; Agents, Antipsychotic; Tranquillizing Agents, Major; Neuroleptic Drugs; Neuroleptic Agents; Major Tranquilizers; Antipsychotics; Antipsychotic Effects; Antipsychotic Effect