Do you often hear the term psychotropic drugs? Do you know what psychotropics actually mean? 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 indiscriminately. However, because people’s understanding of the types of drugs, their properties, and their 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.
Class of psychotropic drugs
Psychotropic drugs are divided into four groups, namely:
- Group I, namely psychotropic drugs with very strong opiate (can cause dependence) such as MDMA/ecstasy, LAD, and STP. This type of psychotropic is prohibited from being used for therapy and only for the sake of scientific development.
- Group II, namely psychotropics with strong power, for example, Ritalin, methylphenidate, and amphetamines are useful for research and treatment.
- Group III, namely psychotropics with moderate opiate power and useful for research and treatment, for example, flunitrazepam, pentobarbital, buprenorphine, luminal, and so on.
- Group IV, namely psychotropics with mild opiate and may be used for medical treatment. Examples of this class of psychotropic types are diazepam, nitrazepam (dumolid, Mogadon, BK), and many more.
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, then you can be free from abuse. When you want to take medicine, make sure to follow the doctor’s prescription and advice.
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, this drug must be taken according to a doctor’s prescription.
The content of alprazolam will bind to GABA receptors (Gamma-aminobutyric acid), which are nerve cells and brain hormones whose purpose is to inhibit dangerous neurological reactions. So that those who consume Xanax will become calmer and easily sleepy. Side effects of excessive consumption of Xanax are dizziness, memory loss, seizures, allergies, to mood swings.
2. Valium
Valium is another name for diazepam, which is a type of benzodiazepine drug that affects the brain’s nervous system and has a calming effect. This drug is generally used as a sedative, and anti-depressant, overcoming insomnia and convulsions.
An overdose of valium can be fatal. Valium consumption is recommended for no more than 4 weeks. If excessive, this drug can lead to addiction, internal organ disorders, confusion, hallucinations, and even suicidal ideation.
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 benzodiazepine drugs 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 treat epileptic seizures. This medicine should only be taken according to a doctor’s prescription for the short term because it can trigger withdrawal symptoms.
4. Librium
Librium is one of the medications that contain chlordiazepoxide, which is a sedative. This medication is usually used to relieve symptoms of anxiety, including feeling nervous or anxious. This drug is also usually given to patients who are about to undergo surgery to reduce anxiety. This type of drug is also often used to treat withdrawal symptoms.
Chlordiazepoxide works by affecting the brain’s nerve cells to have a calming effect. Chlordiazepoxide belongs to the group of benzodiazepine drugs that also have muscle relaxant and anti-seizure effects. This medicine should only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription and taken under the supervision of a doctor.
Common side effects after using this drug are drowsiness, dizziness, aggression, and confusion, and can cause dependence.
5. Dumolid
Dumolid is the brand name of the generic drug nitrazepam 5 mg which belongs to the class of drugs called Benzodiazepines, sedatives. Dumolid is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for short-term therapy to treat severe insomnia, seizures, anxiety disorders, and depression.
Nitrazepam belongs to class IV psychotropics. Nitrazepam 5 mg causes feelings 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 prescribed strictly and regularly but also in those who illegally abuse the drug dumolid as a narcotic.