Antipsychotic drugs (also called neuroleptic drugs) are used to treat schizophrenia and other acute psychotic illnesses. Antipsychotics include phenothiazines (such as Thorazine) and butyrophenones (such as Haldol). Some symptoms, such as hallucinations, often improve when a patient is treated with antipsychotics. However, these drugs are less effective for treating certain other symptoms, such as withdrawal (when a person avoids social contact). Side effects of these drugs may include drowsiness, slowed movements, muscle spasms, and weight gain.

See Also

Neuroleptic.