Definition
Neuroleptics (synonym: antipsychotics) is a group of drugs that are used to treat a number of different mental illnesses. These include, for example, schizophrenia or delusional states. In addition to these diseases, some neuroleptics are also used in the presence of chronic pain as well as in the field of anesthesia.
The group of neuroleptics includes drugs and active ingredients, some of which are very different from each other. Thus, the effect of different neuroleptics is not always the same, but varies depending on the active ingredient and dosage. The effect of common neuroleptics is based on the blocking of different receptors in the brain. Depending on which receptors are blocked, the indications for the prescription of the drug as well as the specific side effects of the neuroleptic result.
Drugs
There are a number of different drugs and active ingredients that can be classified as neuroleptics. In order to better differentiate this group of drugs, a basic distinction is made between so-called conventional and atypical neuroleptics. These groups differ mainly in their mechanisms of action and side effects.
The conventional neuroleptics include drugs with the active ingredients:
- Haloperidol
- Benperidol
- Flupentixol
- Fluspiriles
- Fluphenazine
- Perphenazine
- Chlorpromazine
- Melperon
- Levomepromazine
- Chlorprothixes
- Pipamperone
- Promethazine
Drugs, which belong to the group of atypical neuroleptics, contain active ingredients such as The active ingredients also differ within the respective group. For example, some drugs are used in classical psychiatric diseases, while other drugs are used as sedatives.
- Risperidone
- Olanzapine
- Clozapine
- Quetiapin
- Amisulpride
- Ziprasidone
- Aripripazole
Effect of neuroleptics
As with most drugs, the use of neuroleptics is associated with possible side effects. Depending on the active ingredient, different undesirable side effects can occur. Typical of the classic neuroleptics are the so-called extrapyramidal disorders, which manifest themselves in involuntary muscle movements and tremors as well as an increased tendency to fall.
Likewise, an unwanted production of breast milk and the leakage of this milk at the nipples can occur. Dry mouth and constipation are also not uncommon. Taking these drugs can also lead to cardiac rhythm disturbances.
There are also frequent complaints that weight gain occurs in the course of treatment. The side effects of atypical neuroleptics sometimes vary greatly from one drug to another. In particular, the development of diabetes mellitus, weight gain, and pronounced dryness and constipation are typical side effects.
In general, all neuroleptics can also cause a life-threatening side effect, which is known as a malignant neuroleptic syndrome. This side effect is typically accompanied by high fever, a very fast heartbeat, confusion and unconsciousness and should require immediate discontinuation of the medication and consultation with a doctor. One of the most common side effects is an unintended weight gain during the course of therapy with neuroleptics.
Not all drugs are known to cause weight gain. Both drugs, which belong to the group of classical neuroleptics, and drugs of atypical neuroleptics can be responsible for weight gain in the course of therapy. The reason for this is, on the one hand, a change in appetite caused by the medication and, on the other hand, a change in the metabolism in the body.
This means that therapy with these drugs changes the utilization of individual food components and therefore weight gain can occur. Known groups of active ingredients that can cause weight gain include clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, melperone, levomepromazine, chlorprothixen and pipamperone. It should be noted, however, that weight gain is not always necessary. In some cases, a loss of appetite was observed, which even led to weight loss during the treatment.