|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
antipsychotic
antipsychotic (anti-sy-kot-ik) adj. describing one of a group of drugs used to treat severe mental disorders (psychoses), including schizophrenia and mania; some are administered in small doses to relieve anxiety. Formerly known as major tranquillizers, antipsychotic drugs include the phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine), butyrophenones (e.g. haloperidol), and thioxanthenes (e.g. flupentixol). Side-effects include abnormal involuntary movements (extrapyramidal effects), sedation, dry mouth, blurred vision, and weight gain. atypical a. one of a group of antipsychotics, including clozapine, risperidone, and olanzapine (Zyprexa), that are used in treating patients unresponsive to conventional antipsychotics. Extrapyramidal side-effects are less troublesome.
|
|
|
Cite this article
"antipsychotic." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "antipsychotic." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-antipsychotic.html "antipsychotic." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-antipsychotic.html |
|
Antipsychotic
ANTIPSYCHOTICAny of a group of drugs, also termed neuroleptics, used medicinally in the therapy of schizophrenia, organic psychoses, the manic phase of manic-depressive illness, and other acute psychotic illnesses. The prototype antipsychotics are the phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), and the butyrophenones such as haloperidol (Haldol). The antipsychotics are tri-cyclic compounds, with chemical substitution at R1 and R2, which determine the selectivity and potency of the neuroleptic. The "positive" symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as hallucinations, can often be effectively treated with antipsychotics; the "negative" symptoms, such as withdrawal, are less effectively managed by these drugs. Most of these drugs also have effects on movement, and a good response to the drugs' antipsychotic effects must often be balanced against motor side effects. BIBLIOGRAPHYBaldessarini, R. J. (1990). Drugs and the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In A. G. Gilman et al. (Eds.), Goodman and Gilman's the pharmacological basis of therapeutics, 8th ed. New York: Peragamon. George R. Uhl Valina Dawson |
|
|
Cite this article
UHL, GEORGE R.; DAWSON, VALINA. "Antipsychotic." Encyclopedia of Drugs, Alcohol, and Addictive Behavior. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. UHL, GEORGE R.; DAWSON, VALINA. "Antipsychotic." Encyclopedia of Drugs, Alcohol, and Addictive Behavior. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3403100061.html UHL, GEORGE R.; DAWSON, VALINA. "Antipsychotic." Encyclopedia of Drugs, Alcohol, and Addictive Behavior. 2001. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3403100061.html |
|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries:
HighBeam™ Research, Inc. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
The Encyclopedia.com advertising network includes:
