Psychotropic drugs are being used more and more often nowadays, even if we are not aware of this fact. The psychotropes include all drugs capable of crossing the blood-brain border and thus influencing the functioning of the central nervous system. Most people believe that psychotropic drugs are only used in the case of mental illness, but this is not true. Antidepressants, sleeping pills and even memory enhancers also belong to this group. It is worth refuting the existing myths about these drugs. What's the truth about them and what's just a superstition?
Psychotropic drugs - facts
Many myths have grown up about psychotropic agents, but some of the opinions about them are true. The challenge is to distinguish between the two - which is useful as sometimes psychotropic drugs are simply necessary. It is worth realizing that it must always be done under the supervision of a doctor or a psychiatrist specialist. It is he who chooses a medicine that is tailored to the specific problem and case, recommends the right dosage and controls possible side effects. Such a medical check is important, because if the effect is too strong or too weak, the cure simply changes to another.
What's the truth about psychotropic drugs?
These are medicines which, contrary to some opinions, do not addict or destroy the psyche and even have a protective effect on brain neurons. The only addictive exception may be benzodiazepines, which are classic antianxiety drugs, but only if used improperly. Most of these drugs aren't stimulants. In addition, some diseases can only be treated by psychotherapy - it is not necessary to resort to psychotherapy. However, there are also mental disorders in which psychotropic drugs must be used, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, deep depression and severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Psychotropic drugs - myths
Around psychotropic drugs there are also a lot of myths that some people consider to be true. It is worth refuting such myths that they do not spread in the society. They are harmful to people treated with psychotropic drugs and they also cause fear in patients of using these drugs - and sometimes this is simply necessary.
What are these myths?
For example, such that similar medicines are for weak people and replace their will, and even cause their incapacitation. That is not true, because medicines help people who are sick - and disease always has to be treated, just like others. A broken leg can't be healed by the power of his own will either. The aim of psychotropic drugs is always to improve the patient's life. It is also not true that doctors have a financial interest in prescribing a medicine. The myth that psychotropic drugs must be used endlessly and that they are completely safe is also very dangerous, so they can be used without moderation. The need for long-term use of such measures results from the need to prevent relapses. They may not be used in any quantity and in any circumstances. Everything must be done in consultation with the doctor and in the manner recommended by him or her.
