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Sedating Psychotropic Drugs:
Typical antipsychotics as well as anticonvulsants are prescribed for the more serious disorders
of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoeffective disorders, psychosis, or also, as secondary measures for OCD, at times,
in CD, or ODD. Drugs such as Haldol and Prolixin are two examples. These drugs can be prescribed in different dosages, but
also, to be remember, as that typical antipsychotics are very sedating. Their effectiveness is based on their ability to sedate.
In that respect, then, they do not in any way cure a mental health disorder, rather, they are tools for controlling behavior
and mood.
They can lead to psychological and even a type of physical dependence.
Coming off abruptly can lead to bizarre, behavior and hallucinations. When they are used in the state hospital setting, in
heavy dosages, they are referred to as “chemical straightjackets.” They also can be dangerous in a life-threatening
way, as levels of the drug are built up in the system, and doctors must be cautious in prescribing these strong medicines.
The serious side-effects of typical antipsychotics gave birth to the new generation of atypical antipsychotics, whose side
effects were not as pronounced. However, the effectiveness of typical antipsychotics in effecting behavioral changes, has
also been questioned in recent clinical studies.
So while typical antipsychotics do affect change in mood and behavior, these are the “heavy metal” drugs,
in psychiatry, to compare these drugs in musical language, that one should be
very cautious about in their treatment or in that of their children or teens. Coming off such drugs, is often times not easy,
once starting treatment.
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