Psychotropic drugs, fall into four categories: antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. These drugs may help an individual cope with the illness and control the severity of the symptoms. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, these medications may also aggravate certain conditions and create unwelcome side effects in a patient. Each psychotropic drug has its own unique set of side effects.
Antidepressants
Washington's Mental Health Transformation Project reports three types of antidepressants, including the older monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, such as Nardil; and the tricyclics such as Elavil; and the more recent serotonin reuptake inhibitors including Prozac and Zoloft. Side effects of the older group may include dry mouth, sexual concerns, constipation and bladder problems. The serotonin reuptake inhibitors include side effects such as nausea, feeling jittery, headaches and sexual problems.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Anti-anxiety drugs may include some of the anti-depressant medications, as well as benzodiazepines such as Valium and Ativan; and beta blockers such as Sectral and Coreg. RxList.com states side effects for beta blockers are usually mild but include rash, diarrhea, blurred vision and stomach cramps. Side effects of benzodiazepines include forgetfulness, rage, dizziness, drowsiness and addiction. These medications should not be stopped abruptly, as withdrawal symptoms may occur.
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers are commonly used for bipolar disorder, or manic depression. They include medications such as lithium and carbamazepine. Side effects vary with each drug but may include drowsiness, double vision, confusion and weakness. Washington's Mental Health Transformation Project reports that lithium has the propensity to have unwanted effects if used in conjunction with diuretics, whether they come in the form of medication, or in coffee and tea. These effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, mental confusion, irregular heartbeat and seizures.
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotic medications are used in mental and emotional situations and in the treatment of psychosis. Washington's Mental Health Transformation Project explains these drugs do not cure but help reduce symptoms. They include drugs such as Risperdal and Haldol. Symptoms may include weight gain, drooling, tremors and drowsiness. With the older drugs, tardive dyskenesia may occur, characterized by involuntary movements of the face and limbs.
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