What is the most important information I should know about psychotropic medicines?
Psychotropic drugs are medications that alter mood, perception, and behavior.
About 20% of respondents in the 2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) reported taking psychotropic drugs.
Carolyn Lagattuta / EyeEm / Getty Images
These chemical messengers carry signals between your organs to help regulate their functions.
They’re specific to the cells they target.
Antidepressants may also be combined with other types of medications in an attempt to improve their results.
Like all drugs,antidepressants can have side effects.
These vary by medication, and not all people experience them.
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.
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.
You should not stop taking these medications without talking to your physician first since withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous.
Hypnotics
This class includes drugs that induce and lengthen sleep.
They target chemical imbalances to control extreme mood swings.
They include:
Stimulants
Stimulants increase brain activity to raise mood and alertness.
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.
For example, you might have a hard time crying when you truly feel sad.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many psychotropic drugs are not designed to work instantly.
Some, such as stimulants and anti-anxiety drugs, can be addictive.
For this reason, healthcare providers typically prescribe these only for short-term use.
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.
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.
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.
Gorman JM.The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs.
National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.
