Neuroleptics

DEFINITION

• A class of drugs, also known as antipsychotics, primarily used to treat psychosis (i.e., hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorder)
• The word neuroleptic is derived from the Greek words for nerve and affecting (leptikos, which means seizing).
  • The neuroleptics were originally understood to reduce the intensity of nerve function.
  • They used to be called major tranquilizers.