neuroleptic drug, a substance that produces a sedating or tranquilizing effect. The term is still used to refer to agents, such as droperidol, used to produce such effects as part of anesthesia or analgesia; however, it is outdated as a synonym for antipsychotic agents because newer agents do not necessarily have such effects. Also called neurolept, neuroleptic. Compare antipsychotic. See also tranquilizer.
