Glossary Term: Atypical Antipsychotics

Definition: The newest of the antipsychotic medications, such as Risperdal; most have been widely used since the 1990s and generally do not cause the extrapyramidal side effects common with the use of conventional antipsychotics. However, atypical antipsychotics are associated with other possible side effects such as increased appetite and weight gain.

Alternative Name/Synonym: Second-Generation Antipsychotics