Psychotropic medications are drugs that affect the mind, emotions, and behavior.

The broad categories of psychotropic medications include:antidepressants,anti-anxiety medications,antipsychotics, stimulants, andmood stabilizers.

These categories of medications are generally taken orally (by mouth).

What to Know About Psychotropic Medications

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Such actions can improve a person’s mood.

Furthermore, improving levels of neurotransmitters can also disrupt pain signals sent by nerves.

SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin.

Examples of commonly prescribed SSRis includeProzac (fluoxetine)andLexapro (escitalopram).

At times, healthcare providers prescribe medications for a purpose the drug was not initially FDA-approved for.

This is called off-label prescribing.

You should also contact your prescriber, as abruptly stopping a medication like duloxetinecan be dangerous.

TCAs are sometimes prescribed off-label for conditions likenerve pain, insomnia, or migraine prevention.

Unlike other antidepressant medications, Exxua does not pose the risks of sexual side effects or weight gain.

However, some medications are designated explicitly as anti-anxiety medications, such asbenzodiazepines (BZDs).

BZDs work by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter calledgamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)in the brain.

BZDs are classified ascontrolled substancesbecause they have the potential for abuse and dependence.

Antipsychotics are a critical part of treating conditions that involve psychosis, such asschizophreniaorbipolar disorder.

Antipsychotic drugs generally work by blocking some of thedopamine receptorsin the brain.

This reduces the flow of these messages, which can help to reduce psychotic-bang out symptoms.

Cobenfy is a new class of medicine and works differently than traditional schizophrenia medications.

Cobenfy contains xanomeline, which helps schizophrenia symptoms, and trospium, which works to reduce the side effects.

Second-generation antipsychotics are also associated with movement disorders but to a lesser extent.

Stimulants help increase energy, alertness, and attention.

They work on chemicals in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine.

To date, the most commonly used mood stabilizer islithium.

Commonly Prescribed Mood Stabilizers

As referenced above, Lithium is FDA-approved to treat bipolar disorder.

The broad classes of psychotropic drugs include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics, stimulants, and mood stabilizers.

Notable psychotropic medications include Adderall, Xanax, and Ritalin, among others.

Do not store psychotropic medications in areas susceptible to high moisture levels, such as bathrooms.

Keep all medications out of the reach and sight of children and pets.

Keep track of your medication so you know if any pills are missing.

Some psychotropic medications are known for appetite and weight loss, such as stimulants.

you’re free to discuss weight changes with your healthcare provider if weight changes are a concern.

This will vary by medical condition and medication.

Some conditions may only require short-term treatment, while others require long-term or lifelong treatment.

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