antipsychotic

American  

[an-tee-sahy-kot-ik, an-tahy-] / ˌæn ti saɪˈkɒt ɪk, ˌæn taɪ- /

adjective

1. of or relating to any of various substances used in the treatment of psychosis, especially schizophrenia, and acute or severe states of mania, depression, or paranoia.

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noun

1. Also called neuroleptic.  Also called major tranquilizer.  any such substance, as the phenothiazines.

antipsychotic British  

/ ˌæntɪsaɪˈkɒtɪk /

adjective

1. preventing or treating psychosis

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noun

1. any antipsychotic drug, such as chlorpromazine: used to treat such conditions as schizophrenia

Etymology

Origin of antipsychotic

First recorded in 1950–55; anti- + psychotic

Example Sentences

“Medical directors failed to prevent inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs,” and “nursing home pharmacists failed to identify medical concerns and did not recommend dose reductions.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Quetiapine is a prescription antipsychotic medication and mirtazapine is a prescription antidepressant.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

UnitedHealth and rival insurer Humana’s CenterWell pharmacy both sent early refills of some psychiatric drugs like Seroquel, an antipsychotic, at higher rates than many other drugs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025

In England an antipsychotic prescribing report is published each quarter, meaning health organisations there can share information about the impact of the medication and who in the community requires follow-up appointments.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

An assortment of antipsychotic medicines was prescribed, and he improved gradually—but never enough, apparently, to merit discharge.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee