Psychotropic drugs refer to medications used in the treatment of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, psychotropic medications are not intended to cure psychiatric conditions, but rather facilitate symptom management depending on the brain chemicals targeted. In brief, psychotropics alter the neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which control emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Although these medications have significant benefits in managing disruptive symptoms associated with psychiatric conditions, they also have adverse effects on the brain.
Stabilize Mood
Psychotropics such as those classed as antidepressants and mood stabilizers serve to alter serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters by increasing these chemicals in the brain, according to the Texas State University. Specifically, antidepressants and mood stabilizer drugs modify synaptic transmission, which is the communication process from nerve impulses to brain chemicals and axon terminals.
The Lundbeck Institute explains that mood psychotropics are agonists, drugs that mimics the action of the naturally occurring chemical found in the brain. The agonist essentially tricks the brain by increasing the missing chemicals so that the brain will communicate via nerve impulse, to make the body respond and feel differently. For instance, the agonist may help improve concentration, decrease sadness or regulate anxiety. Potential adverse effects of mood psychotropics include abnormal and involuntary movement, or tardive dyskinesia; agitation; and sleep disturbance.
Sedation and Psychosis Reduction
Psychotropics referred to as neuroleptics work to block or reduce the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is thought to exist in excess in people with conditions such as schizophrenia and psychotic disorders. Texas State University notes that neuroleptics tend to have a sedative effect as well as regulate disordered thoughts and decrease auditory hallucinations associated with psychosis. Specifically, neuroleptic psychotropics work as antagonists in the brain.
The Lundbeck Institute explains that an antagonist drug prevents the activating brain chemical dopamine from existing in excess in the brain, thus reducing the psychotic symptoms. Haloperidol, chlorpromazine and olanzapine are neuroleptics used to treat psychotic disorders. Adverse effects of neuroleptics include possible toxicity if unmonitored, tremors and restlessness.
Alertness and Attention
Psychostimulants are a class of psychotropics used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, in children and adults. Texas State University explains that this class of drug stimulates the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine to induce alertness and attention and reduce impulsivity. Psychostimulants can function as agonists or antagonists in the brain, according to the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. To portray the intended effects on symptom management, it is likely that differing psychostimulants are tried before finding the most effective drug treatment. These drugs come with potential adverse effects as well, including sleep and appetite changes, development of repetitive movements and personality changes.
References
- "The New England Journal of Medicine": Adverse Effects of Psychotropic Drugs
- "AAPS Journal"; Role of Monoamine Transporters in Mediating Psychostimulant Effects; EL. Riddle; 2005
- Texas State University: Psychotropic Medications
- Lundbeck Institute: Disorders of the Brain
- National Institute of Mental Health: Mental Health Medications
