Psychotropic Drugs

Psychotropic drugs include any compounds that affect the functioning of the mind through pharmacological action on the central nervous system. Encompassing both prescription psychiatric medications and illegal narcotics, as well as many over the counter remedies, psychotropic drugs are ubiquitous in our society. Because these compounds effect human behavior, there much suspicion, misunderstanding, and controversy surrounding their use. These pages seek to provide general information about the history of psychopharmaceuticals, their use and function, and the debates they have caused by focusing on the two most commonly prescribed and controversial classes of psychiatric medications--the antidepressants, such as Prozac, and and psychostimulants, such as Ritalin.

Chris Liverman [liverman@grinnell.edu]