Antipsychotics, also known as neuroleptics,are a class of medication primarily used to manage psychosis (including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia or disordered thought), principally in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The long-term use of antipsychotics may result in adverse effects such as involuntary movement disorders, gynecomastia, impotence, weight gain and metabolic syndrome.
First-generation antipsychotics, known as typical antipsychotics, were discovered in the 1940s. Most second-generation drugs, known as atypical antipsychotics, have been developed more recently, although the first atypical antipsychotic, clozapine, was discovered in the 1960s and introduced clinically in the 1970s.Both generations of medication block receptors in the brain for dopamine, but atypicals tend to act on serotonin receptors as well. Neuroleptic, originating from Greek: νεῦρον (neuron) and λαμβάνω (take hold of) – thus meaning "which takes the nerve" – refers to both common neurological effects and side effects
Research Article: Journal of Developing Drugs
Review Article: Journal of Developing Drugs
Editorial: Journal of Developing Drugs
Editorial: Journal of Developing Drugs
Editorial: Journal of Developing Drugs
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Biochemistry & Pharmacology: Open Access
