Psychotropic Drugs Overview

A condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive, resulting in decreased production of thyroid hormones.

A non-cancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland.

The ability of lithium to slow down the heart's natural pacemaker.

A condition in which the body is unable to concentrate urine due to the inability of the kidneys to respond to ADH.

Lithium's ability to damage the kidneys, requiring regular monitoring.

Lithium's effect on aldosterone, leading to sodium and water retention.

Lithium's potential to cause birth defects.

Lithium's ability to pass into breast milk, potentially affecting the baby.

Drugs that affect behavior and mental state in individuals.

Drugs that reduce anxiety, nervousness, and tension. Also called anti-anxiety drugs.

Drugs used to manage psychosis, hallucinations, and delusions. Often used in conditions like schizophrenia.

Drugs that primarily work by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.

Antipsychotic drugs that belong to the first generation, often associated with more pronounced side effects.

Antipsychotic drugs that belong to the newer generation, typically associated with fewer side effects.

A specific type of dopamine receptor primarily located in the brain, involved in various functions like mood, movement, and thought.

A brain region involved in emotional processing and memory, which is affected by antipsychotics.

Bromocriptine is a dopamine agonist that offers several advantages over levodopa (L-DOPA), a common Parkinson's treatment. It doesn't require enzymes for synthesis, is more specific to D2 receptors, and avoids competing with amino acids . It also produces fewer toxic metabolites and has a longer half-life, resulting in fewer fluctuations in its effects.

Bromocriptine is used to treat Parkinsonism both as a monotherapy and as an add-on to Sinemet (a combination of L-DOPA and carbidopa). It's also effective in managing hyperprolactinemia, a condition marked by excess prolactin production, often leading to symptoms like galactorrhea (milk production) and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

One of the notable adverse effects of bromocriptine is dyskinesia, characterized by involuntary movements. It can also cause mental disturbances, arrhythmias, hypotension (especially upon initial dose), digital vasospasm, and a painful condition called erythromyalgia affecting the feet. It's also associated with gastrointestinal issues like anorexia, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, and even bleeding peptic ulcers.

Amantadine is an antiviral agent that can be used to prevent influenza A infections. It also has a role in Parkinson's disease, where its primary action is to increase dopamine release and uptake. However, its effectiveness in Parkinson's is generally considered less than L-DOPA and carbidopa, and its effects tend to diminish after a few weeks of use.

Amantadine can cause a range of side effects, including central nervous system disturbances that can sometimes lead to acute toxic psychosis. Other potential side effects involve the cardiovascular system, such as hypotension, congestive heart failure (CHF), and peripheral edema. Gastrointestinal disturbances are also possible.

Anticholinergic drugs, also known as anti-muscarinic drugs, are synthetic agents that block muscarinic receptors in the basal ganglia of the brain. This action opposes the effects of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement. These drugs are primarily effective in managing tremors, rigidity, and excessive salivation associated with Parkinson's, but they don't address bradykinesia (slowness of movement).

Anticholinergic drugs like Benztropine, Benzhexol (Trihexyphenidyl), and Biperiden are used as add-on therapy to L-DOPA in Parkinson's treatment. They are also important in managing iatrogenic Parkinsonism, a condition where Parkinson-like symptoms are induced by certain medications. These medications are used to counter the effects of drugs that block D2 receptors in the brain, such as neuroleptic, antiemetics, and other medications that can disrupt the dopamine system.

Anticholinergic drugs, due to their action on acetylcholine receptors, share similar adverse effects and contraindications as atropine, a naturally occurring anticholinergic agent. These effects can include blurred vision, dry mouth, tachycardia, urinary retention, constipation, and more severe reactions like delirium, hallucinations, and coma.