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How They Work
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Side Effects
Risks and Warnings
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What is the most important information I should know about psychotropic medicines?Psychotropic medicines may cause side effects and pose risks that you should discuss with your healthcare provider.Never take psychotropic drugs (or any prescription medications) without a prescription.
What is the most important information I should know about psychotropic medicines?
Psychotropic medicines may cause side effects and pose risks that you should discuss with your healthcare provider.Never take psychotropic drugs (or any prescription medications) without a prescription.
Psychotropic drugs are medications that alter mood, perception, and behavior. When used in combination with psychotherapy, psychotropic drugs can be powerful tools in managing conditions such asborderline personality disorder (BPD), anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia.
About 20% of respondents in the 2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) reported taking psychotropic drugs.
How Psychotropics Work
Psychotropic drugs help control symptoms of mental illness such as mood swings, explosive anger,hallucinations and delusions, and other issues that can interfere with therapy. With these symptoms under better control, you can focus on developing skills to cope with and better manage your mental health.
Treating Bipolar Disorder
In the brain, they help neurons communicate with each other to control mood, concentration, perception, and other aspects of brain function. They’re specific to the cells they target.
Types of Psychotropic Medicines
Depending on your mental health condition and symptoms, your healthcare provider might prescribe one of the following types of psychotropics.
Antidepressants
The five main categories of antidepressants (and examples of each) are:
Healthcare providers may prescribe other antidepressants fortreatment-resistant depression. Antidepressants may also be combined with other types of medications in an attempt to improve their results.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics are prescribed to treat symptoms of psychosis. They fall into two categories: atypical and typical.
Atypical antipsychoticswere introduced in the 1990s as an alternative to their typical (first-generation) counterparts and carry a lower risk of side effects.Still, a healthcare provider might prescribe typical antipsychotics if atypical antipsychotics don’t work.
Common atypical antipsychotics include:
Commontypical antipsychoticsinclude:
The side effects of antipsychotics can range from mild to severe and include dry mouth, sedation, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, their side effects can be life-threatening, causing inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) or extremely low white blood cell count.
If you experience bothersome side effects when taking antipsychotic medications, talk with your care provider. If you experience severe or life-threatening side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
Anxiolytics
Anxiolytics aremedications designed to prevent or treat anxiety. There are a few different types available that work in different ways.
Risk for AddictionIt is important to note that some anxiolytics, including barbiturates and benzodiazepines, can be addictive.Healthcare providers generally prescribe them only for short periods. You should not stop taking these medications without talking to your physician first since withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous.
Risk for Addiction
It is important to note that some anxiolytics, including barbiturates and benzodiazepines, can be addictive.Healthcare providers generally prescribe them only for short periods. You should not stop taking these medications without talking to your physician first since withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous.
Barbiturates: Usage, History, and Side Effects
Hypnotics
This class includes drugs that induce and lengthen sleep. When used this way, they include barbiturates, quinazolinones, benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines, melatonin, antihistamines, and antidepressants,
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers are typically used to treatbipolar disorder,schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and depression. They target chemical imbalances to control extreme mood swings. They include:
What Are Mood Stabilizers?
Stimulants
Stimulants increase brain activity to raise mood and alertness. They include common substances such as caffeine and nicotine, as well as illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine.
Prescription stimulants affect thecentral nervous systemand theautonomic nervous system, enhancing the effects of dopamine and norepinephrine. They can increase blood pressure, respiratory function, and euphoria. These psychotropic medicines are most often used totreat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)and narcolepsy.
Common prescriptions in this class include:
Stimulant RisksStimulants have the potential for addiction.People who take these medications for long periods in high doses, or those who have a history of substance use disorders may be at a higher risk.
Stimulant Risks
Stimulants have the potential for addiction.People who take these medications for long periods in high doses, or those who have a history of substance use disorders may be at a higher risk.
An Overview of Stimulants and How They’re Used
Side Effects of Psychotropic Medicines
Like all drugs, psychotropics come with a range of side effects, some of these include:
Although psychotropic drugs can help regulate your emotions and mood, they can also adversely impact your emotions. For example, you might have a hard time crying when you truly feel sad.
If psychotropics make you feel “not like yourself,” tell your care provider so they can find alternative medications or treatments.
Risks and Black Box Warnings
Different psychotropic medicines come with different risks. These risks may be higher for certain populations or those with specific health conditions.
Before taking psychotropic drugs, be sure to share with your healthcare provider any known medical issues, such as heart conditions, diabetes, or high blood pressure, to ensure the medication won’t aggravate these preexisting conditions.
Black Box Warning for Psychotropic MedicinesBenzodiazepines have a black box warning of abuse, addiction, and withdrawal risk.Antipsychotics carry a black box warning of an increased risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis. These psychotropic medications are contraindicated in this population.All antidepressants carry a black box warning for an increased risk of suicide in young people under 25.Prescription stimulants carry a boxed warning for risks of misuse, abuse, addiction, and overdose.
Black Box Warning for Psychotropic Medicines
Benzodiazepines have a black box warning of abuse, addiction, and withdrawal risk.Antipsychotics carry a black box warning of an increased risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis. These psychotropic medications are contraindicated in this population.All antidepressants carry a black box warning for an increased risk of suicide in young people under 25.Prescription stimulants carry a boxed warning for risks of misuse, abuse, addiction, and overdose.
The increased risk of suicide with antidepressants tends to be highest during the initiation of treatment. It is essential to carefully monitor your thoughts and behaviors during treatment and reach out for help if you experience worsening depressive symptoms or suicidal ideation.
Using Atypical Antipsychotics for Treatments
Frequently Asked QuestionsMany psychotropic drugs are not designed to work instantly. For some, the medications can take several weeks to have their full effect, while others may need to try several different medications before finding the right one. Everyone responds to medication differently, so do your best to be patient and keep your healthcare provider informed on how you’re feeling.Some, such as stimulants and anti-anxiety drugs, can be addictive. For this reason, healthcare providers typically prescribe these only for short-term use.In some cases, you’ll notice side effects right away, but you might not feel the full beneficial effects for a few weeks or even months. If you don’t think your medication is working, talk with your doctor to find alternatives. Don’t ever stop taking a psychotropic on your own; this can be dangerous and uncomfortable. Your physician will know how to titrate (reduce) your dosage over time to avoid this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many psychotropic drugs are not designed to work instantly. For some, the medications can take several weeks to have their full effect, while others may need to try several different medications before finding the right one. Everyone responds to medication differently, so do your best to be patient and keep your healthcare provider informed on how you’re feeling.
Some, such as stimulants and anti-anxiety drugs, can be addictive. For this reason, healthcare providers typically prescribe these only for short-term use.
In some cases, you’ll notice side effects right away, but you might not feel the full beneficial effects for a few weeks or even months. If you don’t think your medication is working, talk with your doctor to find alternatives. Don’t ever stop taking a psychotropic on your own; this can be dangerous and uncomfortable. Your physician will know how to titrate (reduce) your dosage over time to avoid this.
11 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Procyshyn RM, Bezchlibnyk-Butler K, Jeffries JJ.Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs.Terlizzi EP, Norris T.Mental health treatment among adults: United States, 2020. NCHS Data Brief, no 419. National Center for Health Statistics. doi:10.15620/cdc:110593Rizo J.Mechanism of neurotransmitter release coming into focus.Protein Sci. 2018;27(8):1364-1391. doi:10.1002/pro.3445Ruberto VL, Jha MK, Murrough JW.Pharmacological treatments for patients with treatment-resistant depression.Pharmaceuticals. 2020;13(6):116. doi:10.3390/ph13060116Cleveland Clinic.Antidepressants.Grinchii D, Dremencov E.Mechanism of action of atypical antipsychotic drugs in mood disorders.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(24):9532. doi:10.3390/ijms21249532Stroup TS, Gray N.Management of common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications.World Psychiatry. 2018;17(3):341-356. doi:10.1002/2ps.20567Tang VM, Davies SJC.Anxiolytics: misuse, dependence, and withdrawal syndromes.NeuroPsychopharmacother. 2022:2217-2242. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-62059-2_405Hildt E, Lieb K, Bagusat C, Franke AG.Reflections on addiction in students using stimulants for neuroenhancement: A preliminary interview study.BioMed Res Int. 2015;621075:2015. doi:10.1155/2015/621075U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA requiring boxed warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA updating warnings to improve safe use of prescription stimulants used to treat ADHD and other conditions.Additional ReadingGorman JM.The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs.National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.
11 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Procyshyn RM, Bezchlibnyk-Butler K, Jeffries JJ.Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs.Terlizzi EP, Norris T.Mental health treatment among adults: United States, 2020. NCHS Data Brief, no 419. National Center for Health Statistics. doi:10.15620/cdc:110593Rizo J.Mechanism of neurotransmitter release coming into focus.Protein Sci. 2018;27(8):1364-1391. doi:10.1002/pro.3445Ruberto VL, Jha MK, Murrough JW.Pharmacological treatments for patients with treatment-resistant depression.Pharmaceuticals. 2020;13(6):116. doi:10.3390/ph13060116Cleveland Clinic.Antidepressants.Grinchii D, Dremencov E.Mechanism of action of atypical antipsychotic drugs in mood disorders.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(24):9532. doi:10.3390/ijms21249532Stroup TS, Gray N.Management of common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications.World Psychiatry. 2018;17(3):341-356. doi:10.1002/2ps.20567Tang VM, Davies SJC.Anxiolytics: misuse, dependence, and withdrawal syndromes.NeuroPsychopharmacother. 2022:2217-2242. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-62059-2_405Hildt E, Lieb K, Bagusat C, Franke AG.Reflections on addiction in students using stimulants for neuroenhancement: A preliminary interview study.BioMed Res Int. 2015;621075:2015. doi:10.1155/2015/621075U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA requiring boxed warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA updating warnings to improve safe use of prescription stimulants used to treat ADHD and other conditions.Additional ReadingGorman JM.The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs.National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Procyshyn RM, Bezchlibnyk-Butler K, Jeffries JJ.Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs.Terlizzi EP, Norris T.Mental health treatment among adults: United States, 2020. NCHS Data Brief, no 419. National Center for Health Statistics. doi:10.15620/cdc:110593Rizo J.Mechanism of neurotransmitter release coming into focus.Protein Sci. 2018;27(8):1364-1391. doi:10.1002/pro.3445Ruberto VL, Jha MK, Murrough JW.Pharmacological treatments for patients with treatment-resistant depression.Pharmaceuticals. 2020;13(6):116. doi:10.3390/ph13060116Cleveland Clinic.Antidepressants.Grinchii D, Dremencov E.Mechanism of action of atypical antipsychotic drugs in mood disorders.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(24):9532. doi:10.3390/ijms21249532Stroup TS, Gray N.Management of common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications.World Psychiatry. 2018;17(3):341-356. doi:10.1002/2ps.20567Tang VM, Davies SJC.Anxiolytics: misuse, dependence, and withdrawal syndromes.NeuroPsychopharmacother. 2022:2217-2242. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-62059-2_405Hildt E, Lieb K, Bagusat C, Franke AG.Reflections on addiction in students using stimulants for neuroenhancement: A preliminary interview study.BioMed Res Int. 2015;621075:2015. doi:10.1155/2015/621075U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA requiring boxed warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA updating warnings to improve safe use of prescription stimulants used to treat ADHD and other conditions.
Procyshyn RM, Bezchlibnyk-Butler K, Jeffries JJ.Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs.
Terlizzi EP, Norris T.Mental health treatment among adults: United States, 2020. NCHS Data Brief, no 419. National Center for Health Statistics. doi:10.15620/cdc:110593
Rizo J.Mechanism of neurotransmitter release coming into focus.Protein Sci. 2018;27(8):1364-1391. doi:10.1002/pro.3445
Ruberto VL, Jha MK, Murrough JW.Pharmacological treatments for patients with treatment-resistant depression.Pharmaceuticals. 2020;13(6):116. doi:10.3390/ph13060116
Cleveland Clinic.Antidepressants.
Grinchii D, Dremencov E.Mechanism of action of atypical antipsychotic drugs in mood disorders.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(24):9532. doi:10.3390/ijms21249532
Stroup TS, Gray N.Management of common adverse effects of antipsychotic medications.World Psychiatry. 2018;17(3):341-356. doi:10.1002/2ps.20567
Tang VM, Davies SJC.Anxiolytics: misuse, dependence, and withdrawal syndromes.NeuroPsychopharmacother. 2022:2217-2242. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-62059-2_405
Hildt E, Lieb K, Bagusat C, Franke AG.Reflections on addiction in students using stimulants for neuroenhancement: A preliminary interview study.BioMed Res Int. 2015;621075:2015. doi:10.1155/2015/621075
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA requiring boxed warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA updating warnings to improve safe use of prescription stimulants used to treat ADHD and other conditions.
Gorman JM.The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs.National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.
Gorman JM.The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs.
National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.
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