Psycho-pharmacology review - Research Paper Example

25 April Following is the review of five psychoactive drugs that are being prescribed currently: 1. Zoloft: The generic name of this drug is Sertraline hydrochloride which is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. This drug is primarily used to treat major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and social anxiety disorders in both adults and children. The side effects of this drug include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia and sexual side effects.

When taken by pregnant women, the drug is known to cause various birth defects. Studies reveal that sertraline is very effective in the treatment of some subtypes of depression and panic disorder but not in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (O'Kearney). Although the drug is used to treat social phobia and posttraumatic stress disorder, it leads to only modest improvement in these conditions. 2. Ritalin: The generic name of this drug is methylphenidate hydrochloride which is a central nervous system stimulant.

Ritalin is used in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It is also used in the symptomatic management of narcolepsy. Ritalin can become addictive. Some of the common side effects of this drug include nervousness, agitation, anxiety or irritability, trouble sleeping (insomnia), loss of appetite, headache, stomach ache, nausea, dizziness and heart palpitations. It is also known to cause some serious side effects like slowing of growth in children, seizures and eyesight changes or blurred vision.

Although there is no information regarding the safety and effectiveness of long-term Ritalin treatment in children, it has been found to be very effective in the treatment of ADHD (St. Louis Psychologists and Counseling Information and Referral). However, this drug has also come under increased scrutiny because of issues of overuse and abuse. 3. Haldol: The generic name of this drug is haloperidol decanoate which is an antipsychotic agent. This drug is used in the management of schizophrenia, mania, agitation and hyperactivity in various mental illnesses including bipolar disorder.

It is also used to control symptoms associated with Tourette disorder. Some common side effects of this drug includes blurred vision, changes in menstrual period, constipation, dryness of mouth, insomnia, headache and weight gain. This drug has been considered particularly effective in the management of hyperactivity, agitation and mania. It is also an effective neuroleptic and possesses antiemetic properties (effective against vomiting and nausea) (Healthy Place). However, the safety and effectiveness in young children have not been established and therefore haloperidol is contraindicated in this age group. 4. BuSpar: The generic name of this drug is buspirone hydrochloride and it is an anti-anxiety agent.

This drug is used in the management of generalized anxiety disorder in children and adults. The most common side effects associated with buspirone are dizziness, nausea, headache, nervousness, lightheadedness, excitement, and insomnia. The drug has been found to be very effective in the anxiety disorder management regimens over short-terms (Bristol-Myers Squibb Company). However its long-term effectiveness over such symptoms has not been proven yet. 5. Depakote: The generic name of this drug is divalproex sodium and it belongs to the class of anticonvulsant mood stabilizers.

It is used to treat mania associated with bipolar disorder and in the treatment of partial and absence seizures. Some of the common side effects of this drug include change in menstrual periods, diarrhea, hair loss, dizziness, hair loss, blurred/double vision, ringing in the ears and unsteadiness. The drug has been found to be very effective in treating acute mania and preventing relapse of bipolar disorder. Depakote has been found to be more effective in treating mixed episodes (characterized by both mania and depression coexisting in the same episode) and in rapid-cycling types of bipolar disorder (when the person experiences four or more manic or major depressive episodes in 1 year) (Northwest Behavioral Medicine).

Works Cited Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. BuSpar. Accessed on June 22, 2011 < http://packageinserts bms.com/pi/pi_buspar.pdf> Healthy Place. Haloperidol Full Prescribing Information. Accessed on June 22, 2011 < http://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/psychiatric-medications/haloperidol-haldol-full-prescribing-information/menu-id-72/> Northwest Behavioral Medicine. Accessed on June 23, 2011 < http://www.psychatlanta.com/ documents/depakote.pdf> O'Kearney, R. T.,Anstey, K.,Von Sanden, C., Hunt, A.

Behavioural and cognitive behavioural therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006 (4): CD004856. St. Louis Psychologists and Counseling Information and Referral. ADHD: Is Ritalin Really the Wonder Drug? Accessed on June 23, 2011 < http://www.psychtreatment.com/ adhd_and_Ritalin.htm >