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 mind of a he althy person and are not used in medicine (alcohol, narcotic substances, hallucinogens) also have 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 impulse transmission system in brain neurons and changes 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 medications, 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;
- Neuroleptics.
In the 20th century, some psychiatrists attempted to identify another group - psychedelics (expanding consciousness), 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 for diseases that are accompanied by depression of the functions of the central nervous system, such as cerebral stroke, viral encephalitis, metabolic disorders. These include Piracetam, Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Ginkgo Biloba.
Sedatives and tranquilizers
These medicines are used for mental disorders accompanied by a feeling of anxiety, with increased emotional excitability (valerian, bromine s alts, the drug "Phenobarbital" in small doses). Tranquilizers have a greater selectivity of influence only on the emotional sphere (drug "Sibazon", benzodiazepines).
Antidepressants
These funds can reduce and level the symptoms of depression (feeling of melancholy, hopelessness, apathy), which can be the result of objective reasons (disturbance in life, domestic problems) or mental disorders (the initial stage of schizophrenia). These include drugs "Amitriptyline", "Glaucin", "Azafen","Duloxetine".
Neuroleptics
An important representative of this group of psychotropic drugs is the drug "Aminazin", which is used for psychosis (delusions, visual and auditory hallucinations, increased arousal) to relieve psychotic symptoms. This drug is also used to treat schizophrenia.
Almost all psychotropic drugs are potent substances and can be addictive and addictive if misused. That is why they are classified as drugs of strict accountability and are released only by prescription. Reading in the encyclopedia or asking your doctor about psychotropic drugs, the list of which is available to anyone, you can find out if you need a prescription to buy.
