antipsychotic

noun

an·​ti·​psy·​chot·​ic ˌan-tē-sī-ˈkä-tik How to pronounce antipsychotic (audio)
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 Zoom out: Pharmaceutical companies' interest in neuroscience and brain health cooled off after a series of antidepressants and antipsychotics hit the market in the early 2000s. Maya Goldman, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024 Most schizophrenia medications, broadly known as antipsychotics, work by changing dopamine levels, a brain chemical that affects mood, motivation, and thinking, Kunovac explained. Dr. Jake Goodman, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2024 Certain classes of drugs, including certain antipsychotics, hypnotics, antidepressants, and anticholinergic medications, can trigger sundowning. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2024 Examples of antipsychotics include Abilify (aripiprazole) and Zyprexa (olanzapine).4 Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) taken to manage major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and more can affect thermoregulation by inhibiting your ability to sweat. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for antipsychotic 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'antipsychotic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antipsychotic was in 1958

Dictionary Entries Near antipsychotic

Cite this Entry

“Antipsychotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antipsychotic. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

antipsychotic

1 of 2 adjective
an·​ti·​psy·​chot·​ic ˌant-i-sī-ˈkät-ik, ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antipsychotic (audio)
: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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