Definition

A type of medication used to treat severe mental disorders, particularly schizophrenia, by affecting the brain's neurotransmitters.

Example

The doctor prescribed a neuroleptic to help manage the patient's symptoms of schizophrenia.

Conversation

I've been reading about different medications for mental health.

Oh really? What did you find interesting?

I learned that a neuroleptic is often used for treating severe conditions.

That's good to know! It's important to understand those options.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Neuroleptic → It is formed from "neuro-" (from Greek "neuron", meaning nerve) and "leptic" (from Greek "leptikos", meaning able to seize or take). The word describes a substance that acts on the nerves, particularly in the context of psychiatric treatment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'nerve' ('neuro-') and something that 'seizes' or 'takes' ('leptic') control over those nerves — that's why neuroleptics are medications that affect nerve functions.

Visually Confused Words