Psychotropic Medication 101
Author: Helping Psychology
Psychotropic medication is prescribed for patients who have been diagnosed with varying mental disorders. These drugs act on the central nervous system, altering the neurochemistry in diverse ways and can therefore be used to treat a range of different conditions. They can also affect emotions, perceptions, the mind and behavior.
Psychotropic medication alleviates the symptoms of mental disorders and is often used in combination with psychotherapy. Many patients who have been prescribed psychotropic medications find that they are able to live full and active lives, but the side effects of these drugs are different for every individual. Below are different classifications of drugs.
Stimulants can cause an increase in alertness and wakefulness. They work to increase dopamine and norepinephrine activity. Stimulants that have medicinal uses include amphetamines. These kind of psychotropic medications can be used to treat lethargy, narcolepsy and ADHD. Possible side effects of stimulants include anxiety (even though some stimulants can be used to treat anxiety) and changes to blood pressure and heart rate.
Depressants are the direct opposite of stimulants, in terms of function. Depressants decrease activity in specific parts of the mind or body, often by facilitating opioid and GABA activity. They can be used as sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics. Anxiolytics are drugs that are used for the treatment of anxiety disorders, and they may also be used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. The most common depressants are barbiturates and benzodiazepines.
Barbiturates, including thiopental (sold under the trade name Pentothal), secobarbital (or Seconal) and am barbital (or Amytal) are psychotropic medications that can be used in the treatment of anxiety, although they have largely been replaced by safer benzodiazepines.
Barbiturates work by preventing signals from stimulating the region of the brain known as the reticular activating system. This part of the brain is responsible for the control of arousal, attention and the waking state. Barbiturates have similar side effects to benzodiazepines, but they are usually more severe. Patients can also become addicted to barbiturates. An overdose of barbiturates is very serious and can be fatal.
Benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety and insomnia. They include diazepam (or Valium), lorazepam (or Ativan), clonazepam (or Klonopin), triazolam (or Halcion) and alprazolam (or Xanax). They work by increasing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter. Possible side effects that can be experienced by patients taking benzodiazepines include dry mouth, apathy, drowsiness, sexual dysfunction and weight gain.
Beta-blockers such as propranolol (or Inderal) can be prescribed to treat cardiac problems and high blood pressure, but they also reduce anxiety and can be used as performance enhancers. Beta-blockers can also be prescribed for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Possible side effects of these drugs include depression, insomnia, hallucinations, numbness, low blood pressure, sexual dysfunction and heart failure.
Mood stabilizers are psychotropic medication that is used to treat mood disorders, predominantly bipolar disorder, although they may also be used for schizoaffective disorder and borderline personality disorder. Unlike antidepressants, mood stabilizers are usually prescribed for the treatment of mania, although they may be used alongside an antidepressant.
Antidepressants are used in the treatment of mood disorders, particularly major depression. Drugs in this class include monoamine oxidase inhibitors (or MAO Inhibitors) and heterocyclics.
Antidepressants such as clomiprimine (or Anafranil), amitriptyline (or Elavil) and imiprimine (or Tofranil) work by inhibiting serotonin and norepinephrine uptake in the synapses of the brain. They can relieve somatic symptoms such as loss of appetite, insomnia and sluggishness caused by depression, but can also cause side effects including urinary retention and constipation, blurred eyesight, nasal congestion and dry mouth.
Antipsychotics are psychotropic medication that is prescribed to treat psychosis, for example, in patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Drugs in this group include clozapine (or Clorazil), haloperidol (or Haldol), chlorpromazine (or Thorazine) and thioridazine (or Mellaril). They work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, but they can also work by acting on different types of receptors.
Possible side effects of antipsychotic include drowsiness, rashes, sexual dysfunction, seizures, involuntary movements of the head and limbs (also known as tardive duskiness), and symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, including stiffness in the muscles, drooling and a stooping posture.
All of these medications can play an integral part in the treatment of psychological disorders, but are often more effective when combined with psychotherapy and other treatments.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/psychotropic-medication-101-2258527.html
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Helping Psychology is your guide to learning more about the Psychology profession and the opportunities that are available in this dynamic discipline including Clinical psychology degree,Forensic psychology degree and PsyD Education.
Helping Psychology is sponsored by Argosy University
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diazepam and overdose?
my freind took 30 10 MG diazapam and drank heavily. (generic valium) we called EMS and they let him go because they said there is no way he could have taken it and been coherent. I saw him take them. 30 minutes after they let him go he acted drunk and we watched him all night. Is it possible to take that much and no OD? We were so pissed that they let him go. How much is too much to take? Could he have died?
I hate it when med staff think they know about you or someone than you do. I use to be addicted to ambien which is a sleeping pill. Most people can take 1 and sleep all night. I was taking 20 or 30 a day and people told me for months..there’s no way I took that many and lived. I did it for years. EMS can’t do anything if the patient is awake and refused Ig and when he goes unconscious they have to take him..It’s a whole number topic then. Certainly he doesn’t need to take them and drink PERIOD but it is possible that he’s been overusing for years (taking more than ordered). If that’s the case, his system has built up a tolerance for them. My answer is that if he’s gone all night and still conscience, he will be fine. Unless he starts having a seizure or being a danger to himself or others..I woudn’t worry. I do think he needs help though. However, you cant make someone get help. Eventually it will kill his liver. Next time (if there is one) call the police and they can put him under arrest and take him to the hospital for eval. Then it’s up to the hospital.
how many mg of valium (diazepam) to overdose to death?
I know that diazepam has a half-life and that means that it takes awhile for it to leave your body and may still be present whenyou take another dose. But Jay, I was curious about your question, do you need someone to talk to?
Valium, Viagra, Tramadol together? I had a possible overdose!?
Ok so I am here in a 3rd world country and shopped at a big market in the city (maybe black market). I had purchased many drugs in big quantities for very little. Although I had checked afterwards at legit/authorized pharmies that the prices were almost the same, just a little more expensive. Everything I got was generic. The Valium was $2 for 200 – 10mg tablets. Viagra $3.5 for 10 – 100mg tablets. And the Tramadol was $3 for 10 – 50mg capsules.
I tried everything when I got home that night to see if it was real. I took 3 Valiums, 3 Diazpams and 1 Viagra. The only one that I noticed work was the Viagra, I never had it before. But with the other two I didn´t feel any significant noticeable effects from them. Just AN OVERWHELMING headache when I woke up, and all through the day, then the day after. Other times when I took Tramadol it first made me feel good, I don´t know why this time I felt nothing… after 1, nothing. 2, nothing. 3, nothing! So when my best friend took 1 to verify if it was real, they said YES, indeed it worked for them and it was the real thing.
The diazepam I never had before. After taking 1 Diazepam I felt my body was hot, almost sweating, but didn´t experience any positive effects from it either. That´s why I took 1, 2, 3 pills too. I want to know if these pills were all fake or if I had simply overdosed, or something. I am feeling so HORRIBLE for so long after this night. Sleeping doesn´t cut it off, once I move my head and get out of bed the splitting headache is still there.
Before I bought these medicines I had taken a few 30mg codeine pills in the day for a sleep deprived headache. Maybe I had taken a bad combination that I was unaware about? Can someone tell me what NOT to take together? Now after all this my headache has become increasingly more severe and agonizing. I also feel my whole shoulder is sore, and my heart feels hot and uncomfortable inside. And I think maybe that it´s beating faster, but I am scared to put my hand over it.
Right now I don´t want more pills until I find out what is wrong with me and what I should or shouldn´t be doing. I just took a couple Gravol for my head, if that´s safe to do!!!? I really need something. I know I´ve done something wrong here and feel like I made a mistake. I was just excited at everything I bought for so little, without prescriptions or questions.
So far everyone is saying these pills are real though. Is there a better way to verify their legitamacy? Could I take them to the hospital with me and the doctor could see them or run a test? I would pay them any amount to verify them. I need some suggestions and help. Most importantly I need urgent help now to deal with the hangover I´ve been suffering intensely now from 2 nights ago.
Thank you all of you.
Sorry, I forgot the Lithium. I had taken 1 300mg Lithium FIRST, after buying everything. And then the 3 Tramadol, the Viagra, And the Diazapam. It was the first time I had Lithium, and it worked for me in the moment, and then went away.
You are a real moron who cares about your drug escape . Talk to your DEA and they will test for free for you .
valium diazepam questions?
1. How long will I wait for the pill to wear off before I can intake alcoholic drinks?
2. If I drink alcoholic drinks while on the pill, what are the things that can happen?
3. What is the maximum number of tablets I can take in a day? (weight: 90-100pounds. height: 4’11. age: 16. Female)
4. What are the signs and symptoms that I’m overdosed?
Please just answer the questions and no telling that I’m young or just go see the doctor. Just answers to the questions. thanks!!
5. Oh, and are there permanent and serious effects once you recover from an overdose?
I am not a doctor, and that’s really who should answer this.
However, i AM a recovering alcoholic and addict, and i can advise you that the combination of booze and diazepam is dangerous and potentially lethal. I was addicted to heroin for 20 years, and the combination of pills and alcohol was worse and ultimately more harmful. Valium is great for temporary relief from anxiety and panic attacks, but there are side effects almost immediately, like severe depression. Driving under that combination is super dangerous. You will build a tolerance very quickly, and given your small body size, you may not even know its happening!
Once addicted (and that happens quickly) detoxing from Valium must be done slowly and under doctor’s care, and you can have seizures (potentially lethal) in that process.
If you’re doing Valium recreationally, please consider something else. If you’re under a doctor’s care, please take his advice.
how many mg of valium diazepam can kill me?
I am 16 years old, female, 4’11 tall and I’m 85pounds.
I was just wondering if it’s possible to overdose on Valium if I am taking that pill alone? Because I read that this kind of pill almost never kill. (Although I wonder why Pete Wentz spent a week in the hospital when he tried to overdose himself with Ativan, a related drug to Valium)
What is the maximum mg of this pill can I take before I overdose on it?
trying to be careful. thanks!
I have took less than 7 10mg tablets but that was 3 months ago then I stopped. I am planning to take again.
It’s difficult but not impossible to overdose on diazepam. I can’t give you an exact amount, but how much were you planning on taking? If you can give me a ballpark figure I could probably tell you how safe that would be. Also, do you take it regularly? That affects your tolerance and therefore the dose.
Edit: An occasional 70 mg wouldn’t do any harm, but you would likely not remember what happened after taking them. I’d suggest not more than 40 to 50 mg if you don’t want to have a blackout. And of course you would need to be in a safe situation and not doing anything potentially dangerous like driving or smoking cigarettes.
Edit: I don’t know what FriendlyNeighborhoodDrugDealer is going on about. Diazepam affects GABA not dopamine. But s/he is right about urging caution. Benzos are not something you want to do regularly because they can be physically and psychologically addictive. I assumed you knew this, but thought I’d better add it just in case you didn’t.