NEUROLEPTIC DRUG Meaning and
Definition
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A neuroleptic drug, also referred to as an antipsychotic medication, is a pharmaceutical compound primarily used in the treatment of various mental disorders, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These drugs belong to a class of medications known as psychoactive agents that primarily act on the central nervous system to alleviate symptoms associated with psychotic conditions.
Neuroleptic drugs work by blocking or modifying the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine receptors. By doing so, they help regulate abnormal brain chemical imbalances that are often implicated in the development of psychiatric disorders. By inhibiting excessive dopamine activity, neuroleptics have a calming effect on individuals suffering from conditions like delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and aggression.
Neuroleptics are typically prescribed with the intention of managing acute episodes or maintaining long-term stability in patients with chronic mental illnesses. They are available as both typical and atypical antipsychotics, with the latter being more commonly used nowadays due to their lesser side-effects.
Despite their effectiveness, neuroleptic drugs may lead to certain adverse effects, including sedation, weight gain, extrapyramidal symptoms (such as muscle spasms, tremors, and restlessness), and metabolic abnormalities. Hence, these medications are prescribed cautiously, with regular monitoring of patients' physical and mental health.
In conclusion, neuroleptic drugs are powerful psychotropic medications that play a significant role in managing mental disorders by modulating neurotransmitter levels and alleviating symptoms associated with psychosis.
Common Misspellings for NEUROLEPTIC DRUG
- beuroleptic drug
- meuroleptic drug
- jeuroleptic drug
- heuroleptic drug
- nwuroleptic drug
- nsuroleptic drug
- nduroleptic drug
- nruroleptic drug
- n4uroleptic drug
- n3uroleptic drug
- neyroleptic drug
- nehroleptic drug
- nejroleptic drug
- neiroleptic drug
- ne8roleptic drug
- ne7roleptic drug
- neueoleptic drug
- neudoleptic drug
- neufoleptic drug
Etymology of NEUROLEPTIC DRUG
The word "neuroleptic" comes from two parts: "neuro-" and "-leptic".
1. "Neuro-" originates from the Ancient Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve" or "sinew". It represents the nervous system or anything related to nerves.
2. "-Leptic" comes from the Greek term "lēpsis", which means "taking hold" or "seizing". It is derived from the verb "lambanein", which translates to "to take".
Combining the two parts, "neuroleptic" literally means "taking hold of the nerves".
The term was coined in the mid-20th century to describe a class of medications that affect the central nervous system, primarily used to treat psychiatric conditions such as psychosis and schizophrenia.
Similar spelling word for NEUROLEPTIC DRUG
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