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The medical phrase “psychotropic drugs” refer to several classes of medicines that have been formulated “to exert an effect on the chemical makeup or neurotransmitters of the brain.” Technically, it is the levels of the neurotransmitters – dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine – impacting mood and behavior that are altered.
The goal of these medications is to specifically cause a change in the levels these chemicals to achieve functionality, making you think and feel good. The beneficial effects can help you do the usual things that you normally do – go to school, perform a job, interact with others, and pursue your passion and interest.
How Antidepressants Work
Antidepressants are mood stabilizers. The mood is stabilized by affecting the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. In this case the psychotropic is referred to as an agonist; it tricks the brain by imitating the action of these two neurotransmitters to make the body respond accordingly. By increasing the levels of these two, the synaptic transmission is modified so that the transmission of impulses (the way by which brain cells /neurons communicate) becomes normal.
How Neuroleptics Work
People who have excessive amounts of dopamine in the brain manifest signs and symptoms such as auditory hallucination and disorderly thinking process. Neuroleptics are antagonists. This means they work by diminishing the levels of or by blocking the neurotransmitter dopamine, preventing it from causing the symptoms. These psychotropic drugs have sedating as well as regulating effects to eliminate or reduce the symptoms.
How Psychostimulants Work
The psychotropic called psychostimulants work by affecting the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine and are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This class of psychotropic medications functions both as an agonist and antagonist to effectively stimulate the neurotransmitters, inducing attention and alertness while calming the brain to diminish impulsivity.
Will psychotropic medication cause a change in my brain?
“If the change in my brain” refers to its chemicals, the neurotransmitters, then YES - psychotropic drugs can alter your neurotransmitters to affect mood and behavioral changes. This is, after all, the purpose of the medication. By mimicking the natural levels of neurotransmitters, you achieve functionality to let you live your life in the most normal way possible.
And remember, to achieve functionality and to avoid adverse effects, make sure to seek proper guidance from a qualified practitioner from Living Well Behavioral Health in Knightdale, NC on McKnight Dr. Like any drug, these psychotropic medicines come with potential side effects – weight gain, sleep pattern changes, eating and appetite changes, dryness of mouth, etc. An expert from Living Well Behavioral Health can guide you during this process. Call right away to schedule your first appointment!
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