Major tranquilizer

Major Tranquilizers also known as Antipsychotics or Neuroleptics are a class of medication primarily used to manage psychosis (including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia or disordered thought), principally in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They are increasingly being used in the management of non-psychotic disorders. Antipsychotics are usually effective in relieving symptoms of psychosis in the short term.

History

The first generation of antipsychotics were introduced in the 1950s. The discovery of the first major tranquilizer, chlorpromazine, which was used for surgical anesthesia, marked a significant milestone in the treatment of mental illness.

Classification

Major tranquilizers can be classified into two groups: typical and atypical, based on their chemical structure and pharmacology.

Typical antipsychotics are the first generation of antipsychotic drugs and have been in use since the 1950s. Examples include chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and fluphenazine.

Atypical antipsychotics are a group of newer antipsychotic drugs that have been in use since the 1980s. Examples include clozapine, risperidone, and olanzapine.

Mechanism of Action

Major tranquilizers work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, specifically the D2 receptor. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating mood and behavior. By blocking these receptors, antipsychotics can reduce the symptoms of psychosis.

Side Effects

Like all medications, major tranquilizers can cause side effects. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and weight gain. More serious side effects can include tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by involuntary movements, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs.

See Also

• Minor Tranquilizer
• Psychopharmacology
• Psychosis
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar Disorder