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Neuroleptics, or antipsychotics. They are used in patients suffering from depression, schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses. They affect the nervous system depending on the type of drug.
Neuroleptics – what are they?
Neuroleptics are a group of drugs that have a sedative effect by acting on the nervous system. The first used neuroleptic in the 50s was chlorpromazine.
Neuroleptics are divided into two groups: XNUMXst and XNUMXnd generation, otherwise classical and atypical. The classic ones are, among others: haloperidol, droperidol, pimozide. Unfortunately, first-generation neuroptics often cause side effects, i.e. extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g. muscle stiffness, body tremors, problems with walking).
The first-generation drugs include: aripiprazole, clozapine, risperidone, and quetiapine. Atypical neuroleptics are characterized by greater bioavailability for the body. There is a lower frequency of side effects.
Each type of neuroleptic works by inhibiting dopaminergic D2 receptors. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for sending the production and transmission of nerve cells. Inhibiting the action of dopamine results in sedation, i.e. the production of fewer nerve cells.
Neuroleptics – indications
Neuroleptics are used in patients with mental illnesses. Most often in the presence of hallucinations, hallucinations, and schizophrenic attacks. Indications for the use of drugs are diseases such as:
- schizophrenia – drugs are used to support therapy, but also to prevent schizophrenic attacks,
- depression,
- affective bipolarity,
- schizoaffective disorder.
Find out more about the neuroleptic drug
Neuroleptics – contraindications
There are many types of neuroleptics, each having a different effect. Therefore, for each patient who requires their use, it is possible to properly select the drug. The exceptions are patients after poisoning with drugs, alcohol or other substances that affect the nervous system.
Other contraindications mentioned are:
- Parkinson’s disease,
- prostate hypertrophy,
- glaucoma,
- adrenal insufficiency,
- epilepsy,
- liver disorders
- thyroid damage,
- cardiological disorders.
Neuroleptics – side effects
A poorly chosen drug can cause many side effects. They are, among others:
- memory impairment,
- skin hypersensitivity (e.g. rashes, feeling of excessive innervation),
- weight gain,
- decrease or increase in libido,
- dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, drooling, dizziness
- Heart arythmia.
Neuroleptics and pregnancy
They are potent drugs, so it is recommended to avoid their use during pregnancy. However, if the patient’s mental state requires antipsychotic drugs, the doctor should select them with particular care. There are drugs that can have a negative effect on the fetus, such as zolepine. The FDA has divided the drugs into groups A (harmful to the fetus) and B (harmless). Group B includes, among others clozopine. It is safe for a pregnant patient to take this substance.