neuroleptic

[ noor-uh-lep-tik, nyoor- ]

noun

1. antipsychotic.

neuroleptic

/ ˌnjʊərəʊˈlɛptɪk /

adjective

1. capable of affecting the brain, esp by reducing the intensity of nerve function; tranquillizing

noun

1. a neuroleptic drug; major tranquillizer, used in the treatment of psychoses

Word History and Origins

Origin of neuroleptic¹

1955–60; < French neuroleptique, equivalent to neuro- neuro- + -leptique < Greek lēptikós disposed to take, equivalent to lēp- (verbid stem of lambánein to seize) + -tikos -tic; -lepsy

Example Sentences

One case in point: In 2003, Sato published a study on data from 40 patients with a very rare affliction named neuroleptic malignant syndrome, collected over 3 years.

From Science Magazine

The woman claims jail records show her daughter suffered from neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which is a life-threatening neurological reaction to certain anti-psychotic drugs, but gave her Haldol anyway.

From Washington Times

Sundry theological nonsensicalities followed from this blundering non-event, but they are nothing a strong dose of the proper neuroleptics wouldn’t cure, and don’t merit explication here.

From Salon

At that time, it was “noted that Mr. Markingson was felt to not have the capacity to make decisions regarding neuroleptic medication” and that he was refusing to take the prescribed Risperdal.

From Scientific American

The FDA is concerned that the drug has been associated with 28 reports of a life-threatening neurological disorder known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome in patients in Japan, the agency’s Blank told the panel.

From BusinessWeek