2007-05-27 02:39:00 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
In general, antipsychotic drugs interact with a brain chemical called dopamine. Antidepressants interact with a brain chemical called serotonin, and sometimes norepinephrine. This is because these different chemicals, when present in unbalanced amounts, cause either psychosis or depression respectively. They also differ in their side effects. There are old antipsychotics like haldol that had some pretty rough side effects if taken long term for some people. The newer ones though have much better side effect profiles...zyprexa and geodon are 2 used a lot. The old antidepressants also had more side effects, but the new ones like prozac, zoloft, and paxil (which act only on serotonin) are very safe. Cymbalta is quite new, acts on serotonin and norepinephrine, and has a good side effect profile. Another big difference is that the antidepressants take several weeks to really kick in and work completely. Antipsychotics can work within an hour.
2007-05-27 02:50:22 · answer #1 · answered by alliecat 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There is a big difference. Anti-psychotics are very strong, not to be messed around with. They are for people with symtoms of psychosis. They work totally differently on the brain. Anti-depressants are widely used, and given to just about anyone that says they are depressed, because they are overall pretty safe. Anti-psychotics are serious meds that aren't given out to just anyone. You would have to have pretty serious mental illness to be prescribed anti-psychotics.
2007-05-27 02:47:49 · answer #2 · answered by PuppetyDog 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are anti-depressants but anti-psychotic drugs? Not heard of. Discuss with your doctor or do a search in web.
2007-05-27 02:43:14 · answer #3 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well the anti-psychotic is to keep your behavior or whatever rage you have under control. Anti-depressants are to keep your depression under control. That's the best way I can explain it.
2007-05-27 02:59:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anti psychotic drugs are for those who are experiencing psychotic feelings.
Anti depressants are for depression.
google.... psychotic
2007-05-27 02:44:33 · answer #5 · answered by holly 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
one is for depression and the other is for a mental disorder.
2007-05-27 02:45:30 · answer #6 · answered by singapores 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋