Psychotropic vs. Psychedelics vs. Psychoactive

Psychotropic vs. Psychedelics vs. Psychoactive: do these medicines have issues of trust? 

By Lisa Christian.

These are medicine types that are used on the brain, but do psychotropic, psychedelics and psychoactive medicines hold issues of trust. What effect do they hold on different ages or genders? The purpose of this research proposal is to explore possible physical and mental health issues, related.

So what are these medicines?

- psychotropics: these treat psychiatric disorders. eg. anti-depressants, anti-eleptics, mood stabilizers and anti-psychotics.

- psychedelics: these change the mood, perceptions and cognitive thought. Examples include: LSD, magic mushrooms, DMT, ayahuasca, ketamine.

- psychoactives: these fall into 4 categories of stimulants, depressants, opiates and hallucinogens.

Are there side effects? Psychotropics are useful in treating the mind, however they have physical side effects, for example: the "side effects can be mild or severe. These effects may include stomach upset, gastrointestinal problems, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, and depression".(FHERestore, 2024.) Because of these side effects, from experience, the patient may feel trapped or betrayed, however in the long term, the medicine may have benefits that help the mind and produce feelings of contentment. They also may have anxiety reducing properties and the patient may get used to the side effects, or sometimes not. Psychadelics are newer and haven't been tested as much, they might have a different reaction to that, than what is expected, by taking them, on first reaction. Psychoactives may be things like coffee and panadeine forte, which I love taking for my ills.

There are precautions, too.

"While psychoactives, psychedelics, and psychotropics all have potential for therapeutic benefits when used under professional supervision, they also all have potential for causing harm. Because of their effects on cognition, using them may lead to accidents or serious injuries. Moreover, some of these drugs, while often prescribed, have a high potential for abuse. Opiates like heroin, stimulants like meth, and depressants like alcohol pose a high risk for addiction and physical dependency. Medications that are prescribed by healthcare providers should be taken as directed. Increasing one’s dose without a physician’s knowledge can be a first step toward addiction."(FHERestore, 2024.)

So what do people and companies, online think about them?

Antidepressants:

"Taking an antidepressant might improve your symptoms, but it won't necessarily change the underlying factors contributing to your depression. For this reason, combining medication with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, and other tactics may provide the best relief."(VeryWellMind, 2024.)

Anti-eleptics:

"Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) provide satisfactory control of seizures for most patients with epilepsy. The drugs have the remarkable ability to protect against seizures while permitting normal functioning of the nervous system. AEDs act on diverse molecular targets to selectively modify the excitability of neurons so that seizure-related firing is blocked without disturbing non-epileptic activity. This occurs largely through effects on voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels, or by promoting inhibition mediated by GABAA (γ-aminobutyric acid, type A) receptors. The subtle biophysical modifications in channel behaviour that are induced by AEDs are often functionally opposite to defects in channel properties that are caused by mutations associated with epilepsy in humans."(Nature.com, 2924.)

Mood stabilizers:

"It can decrease manic episode symptoms like elevated or irritable mood, racing thoughts, agitation, and decreased sleep.

However, lithium has been prescribed less and less in recent years. Reasons include its side effects, the availability of other mood stabilizers, and lithium's potentially high toxicity burden."(VeryWellHealth, 2024).

Anti-psychotics:

"Antipsychotic medications can have both short-term and long-term side effects. Let’s explore some of them:

Physical Side Effects:

Weight Gain: Some antipsychotics may lead to weight gain12.

Dizziness or Blurry Vision: These can occur due to changes in blood pressure or other factors1.

Drowsiness: Antipsychotics may cause drowsiness or fatigue13.

Sexual Challenges: Some individuals may experience sexual dysfunction1.

Digestive Issues: Constipation is a common side effect3.

Low Blood Pressure: Antipsychotics can affect blood pressure1.

Restlessness: Known as akathisia, it’s characterized by an urge to move constantly1.

Mental Fog: Some people report cognitive difficulties1.

Uncontrollable Movements: Tardive dyskinesia is a long-term effect1.

Psychosocial Side Effects:

Social Isolation: Antipsychotics may impact social interactions1.

Loss of Motivation: Some individuals experience reduced motivation1.

Mental Fog: Cognitive effects can affect daily functioning1.

Long-Term Effects:

Type 2 Diabetes: Antipsychotics may increase the risk of diabetes14.

Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions (e.g., obesity, high blood pressure) associated with antipsychotic use1.

Hyperprolactinemia: Elevated prolactin levels can lead to breast enlargement.

Remember that individual responses vary, and not everyone experiences all these effects."(Bing Copilot, 2024.)

Psychedelics:

"Alternative psychotherapeutic interventions are gaining interest also, because of their low physiological toxicity, relatively low abuse potential, safe psychological effects, and no associated persisting adverse physiological or psychological effects during and after use. On the other hand, conventional psychotic drugs and anti-depressants are becoming less favorable because of their adverse side effects. Psychedelic neuropharmaceutical interventions may with medical oversight be the solution to conventional psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, and an alternative to conventional psychiatric treatment options."(Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov,2024)

"Psychedelic drug researchers believe psilocybin in "magic" mushrooms could help curb obesity caused by overeating. Psilocybin has been shown to cause brain-level changes that help people shift their mindset and habits."(BusinessInsider, 2024)

This could be an important breakthrough because weight gain is one of the biggest problems with taking anti-psychotics. I myself, put on a lot of weight, 50 kilos, over several years of taking anti-psychotics, Abilify and Solian, but now am losing a little bit of weight while just on Abilify.

Since 2023, psychedelics - MDMA and psylocybin (magic mushrooms) are able to be prescribed in Australia.  

Side effects of psychedelics, may include:

Nausea, increased heart rate, changes in the sense of time, heightened feelings and sensory experiences, distorted sights and sounds.

Psychoactives may be helpful for treating illnesses, such as in pain killers, for recreation as in alcohol or coffee, but may have a risk of becoming addicted and dependant on them.

In conclusion, when used for specific purposes, these medicines can be helpful and therapeutic. When used unfairly, the side effects can impose on someone's health. 

References:

DotDash Media, 2024. 'What Is Lithium? A mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder'.

Accessed from: <https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-lithium-5086884 on 5/7/24>.

FHERestore, 2024. 'REHAB - Psychotropic vs. Psychedelics vs. Psychoactive: A Guide'.

Accessed from: https://restore-mentalhealth.com/psychotropic-psychedelics-psychoactive/ on 5/7/24.

National Library of Medicine, 2024. 'Psychedelics: Alternative and Potential Therapeutic Options for Treating Mood and Anxiety Disorders'.

Accessed from: https://www.businessinsider.com/researchers-believe-magic-mushrooms-could-curb-obesity-2021-1#:~:text=Psychedelic%20drug%20researchers%20believe%20psilocybin%20in%20%22magic%22%20mushrooms,psilocybin%20can%20help%20people%20overcome%20anxiety%20and%20depression. on 5/7/24.

Psychedelic Support, 2024.

Accessed from: psychedelic.support/resources/get-psychedelic-medicines-australia/ on 5/7/24.

2024, Springer Nature Limited. 'The neurobiology of antiepileptic drugs.'

Accessed from: <https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn1430 on 5/7/24>.