Psychotropic drugs: varieties

In the treatment of diseases associated with disorders and changes in the human psyche, an extensive group of drugs called psychotropic drugs is used. In addition to some medicines, a number of substances that can change the consciousness of a healthy person and are not used in medicine (alcohol, drugs, hallucinogens) also possess psychotropic properties.

Psychotropic drugs: mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of drugs that affect the psyche is quite diverse. The main point is the effect of psychotropic drugs on the system of impulse transmission in neurons of the brain and the change in the concentration of certain substances - neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, bradykinins, endorphins, etc.), as well as changes in metabolism at different levels of the central nervous system.

Psychotropic drugs: classification

Like any medicine, drugs that affect the psyche are divided into several groups. Depending on the effect, all narcotic and psychotropic drugs are divided into:

• Drugs that stimulate the central nervous system (nootropics);
• Sedatives and tranquilizers;
• Antidepressants;
• Antipsychotics.

In the 20th century, some psychiatrists attempted to isolate another group - psychedelics (mind-expanding), but at the moment these substances are classified as hallucinogenic and are not used in medical practice (LSD, mescaline).

Psychotropic drugs that stimulate the central nervous system

This group is used in diseases that are accompanied by depression of the central nervous system, such as cerebral stroke, viral encephalitis, metabolic disorders. These include preparations "Piracetam", "Gamma-aminobutyric acid", "Ginkgo biloba".

Sedatives and tranquilizers

These drugs are used for mental disorders, accompanied by a sense of anxiety, with increased emotional excitability (valerian, bromine salt, drug "Phenobarbital" in small doses). Tranquilizers have greater selectivity of impact only on the emotional sphere (the drug "Sibazon", benzodiazepines).

Antidepressants

These funds allow to reduce and level out the symptoms of depression (feelings of melancholy, hopelessness, apathy), which can be the result of objective reasons (unsettled life, everyday problems) or mental disorders (the initial stage of schizophrenia). These include the preparations "Amitriptyline", "Glaucin", "Azafen", "Duloxetine".

Neuroleptics

An important representative of this group of psychotropic drugs is the drug "Aminazine", which is used for psychosis (delirium, visual and auditory hallucinations, increased excitement) for the removal of psychotic symptoms. This drug is also used to treat schizophrenia.

Almost all psychotropic drugs are potent substances and, if misused, can lead to addiction and dependence. That is why they are classified as strictly prescribed medicines and are only available on prescription. After reading in the encyclopedia or asking your doctor about psychotropic drugs, a list of which is available to anyone, you can find out if you need a prescription for purchase.