antipsychotic

noun

an·​ti·​psy·​chot·​ic ˌan-tē-sī-ˈkä-tik 

ˌan-tī-

: any of the powerful tranquilizers (such as the phenothiazines and butyrophenones) used especially to treat psychosis and believed to act by blocking dopamine nervous receptors

called also neuroleptic

antipsychotic adjective

Examples of antipsychotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These include corticosteroids, antipsychotics, and some antidepressants. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 5 Dec. 2024

Instead, it is expected to be an option for patients who have a poor or partial response to atypical antipsychotics or those who cannot tolerate the side effects of weight gain, sedation, and movement disorders associated with atypical antipsychotics. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Many factors must be considered when choosing between typical and atypical antipsychotics. —T'keyah Bazin, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024

This may include antipsychotics (which block dopamine receptors in the brain), antidepressants, and tranquilizers (drugs that reduce anxiety, fear, and tension).13 Medication alone does not usually resolve symptoms. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

antipsychotic

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​psy·​chot·​ic ˌant-i-sī-ˈkät-ik, ˌan-ˌtī- 

: of, being, or involving the use of an antipsychotic

antipsychotic drugs

antipsychotic

2 of 2 noun

: any of the powerful tranquilizers (as the phenothiazines or butyrophenones) used especially to treat psychosis and believed to act by blocking dopamine nervous receptors

called also neuroleptic