This document outlines psychotropic medications used to treat mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. It defines psychotropic medications as psychiatric drugs that affect brain chemistry. Common medications are discussed for each condition, along with their dosages, side effects, and nursing considerations. The document emphasizes that pregnant and breastfeeding women should discuss risks and benefits of psychotropic medication with their doctors, as limited research exists on effects during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

1. PSYCHOTROPIC
MEDICATIONS
UNDER
SUPERVISOR
MS : EMAN
Prepared by:
haifa

2. OUTLINE
• outline
• OBJECTIVES
• Introduction.
• Definition Psychotropic Medications.
• Classification
• Depression meds
• Bipolar meds
• anxiety meds
• Pregnancy and Psychotropic Medications
• Breastfeeding and Medication
• Meds side effects
• Summary
• References

3. OBJECTIVES
 Define the term “psychotropic”
 Describe the psychiatric conditions of: depression,
bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder
 Give examples of psychotropic medications used to
treat depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety
disorder
 State the most important message to convey to
pregnant or breastfeeding women—discuss risks
and benefits of medication with doctor
 Identify web resources for information on pregnancy
and breastfeeding and medication

4. INTRODUCTION
psychiatric medication is a licensed psychoactive drug
taken to exert an effect on the chemical makeup of the
brain and nervous system. Thus, these medications
are used to treat mental illnesses. Usually prescribed
in psychiatric settings, these medications are typically
made of synthetic chemical compounds. Since the
mid-20th century, such medications have been leading
treatments for a broad range of mental disorders and
have decreased the need for long-term
hospitalization .

5. WHAT ARE PSYCHOTROPIC
MEDICATIONS?
Psychotropic medications
are medications used to treat mental disorders.
They may also sometimes be referred to as psychiatric medications or
psychotherapeutic medications.

6. WHAT TYPES OF MENTAL DISORDERS CAN BE TREATED
WITH MEDICATION?
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Anxiety Disorders
Schizophrenia
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

8. WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Depression is a mood disorder and is likely caused by a combination
of genetic, biologic, and environmental factors. In terms of the
biologic basis, there is an abnormality in neurotransmitters in the
brain.
Types of Medications Used to Treat depression :
1.Antidepressants are medications commonly used to treat
depression.
2.Neurotransmitters are natural chemicals in the brain that affect
mood and emotional response. Antidepressant medications work to
balance these chemicals.
3.Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Dopamine are 3 neurotransmitters
that are involved in depression.

9. EX : for Medications Used to Treat Depression Disorder :
Generic
name
Brand
Name
Dosage Side Effects Indications
SERTRALINE Zoloft initiated with a dose
of 25 mg once daily.
After one week, the
dose should be
increased to 50 mg
once daily.
diarrhea, dyspepsia,
nausea, insomnia,
loose stools,
dizziness,
drowsiness,
paresthesia,
headache
Treating
depression or
OCD
Nursing interventions
1.5-RIGHTS
2.Explain that anorexia, nausea and vomiting, or irritation may present as transient adverse
effects.
3. Encourage taking medication with food. Refer to attending practitioner if clinical symptoms do
not improve.

10. WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Bipolar disorder was formerly called “manic depression”.
It is characterized by moods that swing between periods
of mania (exaggerated euphoria and/or irritability) and
depression. Chemical imbalance is a key component in
Bipolar Disorder.
Types of Medications Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder
1.Mood Stabilizers (Anticonvulsant or anti-seizure
medications are also used as mood stabilizers)
2.Atypical Antipsychotics
3.Antidepressants

11. EX : for Medications Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder
Generic name Brand Name Dosage Side Effects Indications
LITHIUM Lithobid Morning
3 tabs
(900 mg)
Nighttime
3 tabs
(900 mg)
irregular
pulse
, increased
frequency of
urination,
weight gain,
and mildly
shaking
hands
to treat
manic-
depressive
disorder (
bipolar disorder
).
Nursing interventions
1.5-RIGHTS
2.Monitor pulse to obtain baseline data
3.Instruct client to monitor weight on a weekly basis.
4. Instrust client to report any changes in urinary frequency and notify attending
practitioner of changes.

12. WHAT IS AN ANXIETY DISORDER?
An excessive or inappropriate state of arousal characterized by
feelings of apprehension, uncertainty, or fear. Categories of anxiety
disorders include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Disorder
Phobic Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Types of Medications Used to Treat Anxiety Disorders
1.Antidepressants
2.Benzodiazepines (Anti-anxiety medications)
3.Beta-Blockers (Usually used to treat heart conditions

13. EX for Medications Used to Treat Anxiety Disorders
Generic name Brand
Name
Dosage Side Effects Indications
ALPRAZOLAM Xanax initiated with a dose
of 0.25 to 0.5 mg
given three times
daily. The dose may
be increased to 4
mg after 3 to 4 days
Drowsiness,
dizziness, increased
saliva production,
to treat anxiety
and panic
disorders
Nursing interventions
1.5-RIGHTS
2.Caution client to avoid driving or operating hazardous equipment.
3.Give entire daytime dose of medication at bedtime if drowsiness persists.
4.Explain that drowsiness is usually a transient symptom.

14. PREGNANCY AND PSYCHOTROPIC
MEDICATIONS
• The most important message to send to a woman who is
pregnant and is taking psychotropic medications or is suffering
from a psychiatric disorder and is considering medications is
that she should Discuss the risks and benefits with her doctor.
• Research on the use of psychotropic medication on pregnant
women is limited
• Just because a woman is pregnant does not mean that she cannot
take medications or that she should stop taking medications—
she needs to discuss the risks and benefits with her doctor
• A woman who is pregnant and taking psychiatric medication
should not stop taking the medication unless she consults with
her doctor

15. BREASTFEEDING AND
MEDICATION
Some medication may be passed on to an infant through breast milk.
A woman should Always discuss the risks and benefits of taking
medication while breastfeeding with her doctor.

17. SUMMERY
Psychotropic medications : are medications used to treat mental
disorders .
What Types of Mental Disorders Can be Treated with Medication
Depression,Bipolar Disorder,Anxiety Disorders,Schizophrenia
ADHD
Information about depression meds
Information about bipolar meds
Information about anxity meds
Pregnancy and Psychotropic Medications
Breastfeeding and Medication

18. WEB RESOURCES:
MedEd PPD: http://www.mededppd.org/mothers/
MGH Center for Women’s Health:
http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/
National Institute of Mental Health:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-
medications/complete-index.shtml

19. QUESTIONS?