What it means
A group of drugs that act mainly by blocking dopamine in the brain. First-generation (typical) drugs such as haloperidol and chlorpromazine often cause movement problems called extrapyramidal symptoms. Second-generation (atypical) drugs such as risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine and aripiprazole cause fewer movement problems but more weight gain, high blood sugar and high cholesterol. They are also used in bipolar disorderby-POH-ler dis-OR-derA mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.bi- twopol/o pole-ar having to do withFull entry and for severe agitationaj-ih-TAY-shunA state of restlessness and tension with too much movement, often with irritability.Full entry .
For the nurse
Watch for muscle spasms, restlessness, a shuffling walk and, after long use, tardive dyskinesia (lip smacking, tongue movements). Report high fever with stiff muscles at once: it can be neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Check weight, glucose and lipids. All antipsychotics carry a boxed warning of higher death rates in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
At a glance
| Drug class | antipsychotic (neuroleptic) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | antipsicótico |
| Also written | antipsychotics, neuroleptic, neuroleptics |
Related terms
bipolar disorder
A mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.
hallucination
Hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling or tasting something that is not really there.
neurotransmitter
A chemical that a nerve cell releases to pass a signal to another nerve, muscle or gland cell.
serotonin
A chemical messenger in the brain, gut and blood that helps control mood, sleep, appetite and other functions.
agitation
A state of restlessness and tension with too much movement, often with irritability.