be informed

The worldwide use of psychiatric medication has exploded. Today the shy, anxious, hyperactive and chronically unhappy can seek relief from pills. In 2001 there were 3.1 billion drugs issued with 71% of doctor’s visits ending in a prescription. 40% of incoming college undergraduates use psychotropic, mind-altering drugs and 90% of the 8.5 tons produced yearly of methylphenidate (Ritalin) is consumed in the United States – the vast majority by children. The United States is the most medicated nation in the world, but countries worldwide are also consuming pills at an equally alarming rate.  As a result, both mental and physical health is declining.

Adverse drug reactions at the 4th leading cause of death in the United States and kill more people every year than traffic accidents.  In many cases, these reactions could have been prevented.  Many medications cannot be combined without serious symptoms, and even over-the-counter items, herbal supplements or some foods can interact with pills. All prescription drugs have side effects. Before taking any medication it is critical to have the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Psychiatric medications are prevalent, yet many people do not understand what they are consuming, not only in the mechanism of action, but also in how they affect their body and brain. Every classification act on the central nervous system where they alter brain function and other body systems, resulting in changes in perception, mood consciousness, cognitive function and behavior. Behavioral medications can change the way we think, act, and relate to life.  Everyone needs to take pills with knowledge. It is only in this way that we can protect ourselves and loved ones.

Drugs are classified according to their actions on the mind and body or by the symptoms they are attempting to address. There are six main classifications of psychiatric medications:

1. Antidepressants: (MAOIs, NaSSAs, NDRIs, NRIs, SARIs, SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, TeCAs, NaSSAs)

2. 

3. Antidepressants are the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States, and the number of Americans taking antidepressants has doubled in a year. Yet the majority of people were not being treated for depression. Half were taking them for back pain, nerve pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties, IBS and other issues. More...

 

1. Anxiety Medications: (Anxiolytics, Benzodiazepines), Antihistamines, Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids, & Sleeping Pills (Sedatives)

1. 

2. The use of sleeping pills, benzodiazepines and antihistamines have soared, but each class contain warnings for extended use (longer than 7-14 days). Even over-the-counter medication can cause cognitive impairment, delirium and excessive daytime sedation, a particular concern for the elderly. More...

 

2. 1. Antipsychotics:
   2. 

      Originally prescribed for schizophrenia and psychosis, but recently they have been prescribed for insomnia as well as an adjunct with Antidepressant therapy at an alarming rate. 28% of seniors in retirement homes are taking antipsychotics, despite the FDA warning of increased death risk.  Children and adolescents antipsychotic use has increased 5-fold, yet warnings exist for obesity and type-2 diabetes. More...

 

1. 1. Mood Stabilizers: (Anticonvulsants)

   2. 

   3. Mood Stabilizers are prescribed for bipolar, a diagnosis that has increased 40-fold between 1994-2003 for children and adolescents, and a study published in the July issue of The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that only half the diagnoses were accurate. More...

   4. 
      

2. Painkillers: (Depressants / Opiates)

3. 

4. In 2009, Hydrocodone was the number one prescribed medication in the United States - an amount that equals one prescription for every other person.  They are also the most abused class of medications. More...

 

Stimulants: (Amphetamine, Methamphetamine)

2. 

3. Widley prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD, Narolepsy, Appetite suppressant, Autism and other Social disorders. In 2009 the FDA and the National Institute of Mental Health funded a study on stimulant medications that determined children and teens are at increased risk for sudden cardiac death. More...