According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, psychotropic medications are drugs used to treat mental disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Psychotropic medications control symptoms of mental conditions; they do not cure the diseases, but they do enable patients to lead more fulfilling lives.
Antipsychotic Medication
Antipsychotic medications are used to treat schizophrenia and schizophrenia-related diseases. Antipsychotics are classified into atypical and typical antipsychotics. Typical antipsychotics are older drugs used to treat symptoms of hallucinations, delusions and paranoia in schizophrenia patients. Examples of typical drugs include Haldol and Thorazine. Major side effects of typical antipsychotics are problems with physical movement such as rigidity, muscle spasms, tremors and restlessness. Long-time use of typical antipsychotics leads to tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder that causes symptoms such as tongue protrusion, grimacing and lip smacking. Atypical antipsychotics are newer drugs used to treat schizophrenia. Examples of drugs include Clozaril, Ripserdal and Zyprexa. These drugs do not cause physical movement problems and tardive dyskinesia. However, atypical antipsychotics drugs cause weight gain, diabetes and high cholesterol.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants drugs are used to treat depression and other mood disorders. Antidepressants balance neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, and include serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tryclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. Examples of antidepressants include Prozac, Paxil and Lexapro. Common side effects of antidepressants include headache, nausea, drowsiness, sexual problems, dry mouth and constipation. People taking MAOIs need to avoid foods containing tyramine such as cheese, pickles and wine. Interaction between tyramine and MAOIs can leads to high blood pressure, stroke and death.
Antianxiety Drugs
Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and phobias. Examples of benzodiazepines used for anxiety include Ativan, Serax, Xanax and Valium. Common side effects of benzodiazepines include drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach and confusion. Benzodiazepines are only taken for a short duration duet to problems with addiction. Benzodiazepines should be used carefully in patients with substance abuse problems. To avoid withdrawal symptoms, patients should not suddenly stop taking benzodiazepines.
