Many psychotropic drugs are sold in pharmacies, what are the types?
Do you often hear the term psychotropic drugs? Do you know what exactly is meant by psychotropics? Psychotropics are substances that can affect a person’s mental condition. This is because the drug acts on the human central nervous system, which is located in the brain. Many types of psychotropic drugs are classified as narcotics, but there are also those whose use is not prohibited, instead they are needed for medical reasons.
The use of psychotropic drugs must be under the supervision of a doctor, not arbitrarily. However, because public understanding of the types of drugs, their properties, and side effects on the body is still limited, many people end up abusing psychotropic drugs. In fact, there are many types of psychotropic drugs that are not widely known.
Psychotropic drug class
Psychotropic drugs are divided into four groups, namely:
- Group I, namely psychotropic drugs with strong addictive power (can cause dependence) such as MDMA / ecstasy, LAD, and STP. Psychotropics of this type are prohibited from being used for therapy and only for the benefit of scientific development.
- Group II, namely powerful psychotropic substances, for example ritalin, methylphenidate and amphetamines which are useful for research and treatment.
- Group III, namely psychotropic drugs with moderate addictive power and useful for research and treatment, for example flunitrazepam, pentobarbital, buprenorsina, lumibal, and so on.
- Group IV, namely psychotropic substances with mild addictive power and may be used for medical treatment. Examples of this type of psocotropic group are diazepam, nitrazepam (dumolid, mogadon, BK), and many more.
Medicines that are classified as psychotropic drugs
Knowledge of the types of psychotropic drugs is necessary for everyone. By knowing the benefits and risks of side effects from consuming this drug, you can be free from its abuse. When you want to take medicine, be sure to follow the doctor’s prescription and recommendations.
1. Xanax
Xanax includes drugs that contain alprazolam which is an anti-anxiety, panic, and depression medication. Although its main function is as a sedative, it must be taken according to a doctor’s prescription.
The content of alprazolam will bind to GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors, namely nerve cells and brain hormones whose purpose is to inhibit harmful neurological reactions. So that those who take xanax will be calmer and easily sleepy. The side effects of excessive xanax consumption are dizziness, memory loss, seizures, allergies, and mood swings.
2. Valium
Valium is another name for diazepam, which is a type of benzodiazepine drug that affects the nervous system of the brain and provides a calming effect. This drug is generally used as a sedative, anti-depressant, to treat insomnia and seizures.
Valium overdose can be fatal. Valium consumption is recommended for no more than 4 weeks. If in excess, this drug can lead to addiction, internal organ disorders, confusion, hallucinations, and even suicidal thoughts.
3. Ativan
Ativan is a drug that contains lorazepam, which is commonly used to treat symptoms of severe anxiety disorders and insomnia. Lorazepam belongs to a class of benzodiazepines that act on the brain and central nervous system to produce a calming effect.
Therefore, this anxiolytic is also often used as a sedative before patients undergo minor surgery, such as dental surgery, and to treat epileptic seizures. This medicine should only be consumed according to a doctor’s prescription for a short term because it can trigger withdrawal symptoms.
4. Librium
Librium is a drug that contains chlordiazepoxide, which is a sedative. Usually this medication is used to relieve symptoms of anxiety, including nervousness or anxiety. This drug is also usually given to patients who are going to undergo surgery to reduce anxiety. This type of drug is also often used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Chlordiazepoxide works by affecting the nerve cells of the brain to cause a calming effect. Chlordiazepoxide belongs to the group of benzodiazepine drugs which also have a muscle relaxing effect and as an anti-seizure. This drug can only be obtained by prescription and consumed under a doctor’s supervision.
Common side effects after using this medicine are drowsiness, dizziness, more aggression, confusion, and can lead to dependence.
5. Dumolid
Dumolid is the brand name of the generic drug nitrazepam 5 mg which belongs to the class of drugs Benzodiazepines, sedatives. The drug dumolid is one of the most commonly prescribed short-term therapy options for treating severe sleep disorders (insomnia), seizures, anxiety disorders, and depression.
Nitrazepam belongs to the psychotropic group IV. Nitrazepam 5 mg induces a feeling of calm and relaxation physically and mentally, which creates a high level of dependence effect. It has been proven not only in patients who are given strict and regular prescriptions, but also in those who illegally abuse dumolid as a narcotic.
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