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Definition - What does Antipsychotic mean?

An antipsychotic is a type of drug used to treat certain types of mental illness. These medications are most often used to treat disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

The primary purpose of an antipsychotic is to reduce the symptoms of psychosis, or detachment from reality. A person suffering from psychosis may experience delusions, mania or hallucinations. Antipsychotics can also have a powerful tranquilizing effect.

Some common antipsychotics are Abilify, Risperdal, and Seroquel.

Antipsychotics are also called neuroleptics.

SureHire explains Antipsychotic

Antipsychotics are believed to work by altering the brain chemistry and affecting the upake of certain neurotransmitters.

While antipsychotics are an effective treatment for some mental disorders, they can potentially have severe side effects. Some rarely used antipsychotics such as Clozaril and Geodon can trigger fatal reactions, the risk of which requires close monitoring of patients who are prescribed these medications. Other side effects of some antipsychotics include muscles tremors, the development of permanent tics, blurred vision, drowsiness, and weigh gain unrelated to the amount of calories consumed.