Antipsychotic medication
Antipsychotic Medication
Antipsychotic medication (pronunciation: an-tee-sy-KOT-ik med-i-KAY-shun), also known as neuroleptics, are a class of psychotropic medication primarily used to manage psychosis (including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia or disordered thought), principally in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Etymology
The term "antipsychotic" is derived from the Greek words "anti" meaning against, and "psychotic" meaning relating to psychosis. The term "neuroleptic" is derived from the Greek words "neuro" meaning nerve, and "leptic" meaning to seize or take hold of.
Types of Antipsychotic Medication
Antipsychotic medications are broadly categorized into two types:
1. First-generation antipsychotics (FGAs): Also known as typical antipsychotics, these were the first antipsychotic drugs to be developed. Examples include chlorpromazine and haloperidol.
2. Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs): Also known as atypical antipsychotics, these are newer medications that have different side effect profiles from the FGAs. Examples include risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine.
Mechanism of Action
Antipsychotic medications work by altering the effects of certain chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, which are known to affect mood and behavior.
Side Effects
Like all medications, antipsychotics can have side effects. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and weight gain. Some antipsychotics can also cause serious side effects such as tardive dyskinesia, a condition that causes uncontrollable muscle movements.
Related Terms
- Psychotropic medication
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- First-generation antipsychotics
- Second-generation antipsychotics
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
- Tardive dyskinesia
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antipsychotic medication
- Wikipedia's article - Antipsychotic medication
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