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What is the most commonly prescribed psychoactive drug, and how does it work?

Mose Tuffell

Hey there!

The most commonly prescribed psychoactive drug is arguably the antidepressant sertraline, which is marketed under the brand name Zoloft. There are a few different classes of psychoactive drugs, but antidepressants like sertraline are some of the most widely used.

So, how does it work? Sertraline is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means that it helps regulate levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is involved in a lot of different processes in the body, including mood, appetite, and sleep, among others.

In people with depression, there is often a deficiency of serotonin in the brain. SSRIs like sertraline work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin into nerve cells, making more of it available in the brain.

This increase in serotonin can help lift a person's mood and improve symptoms of depression. It can also help with anxiety disorders since serotonin is involved in regulating anxiety levels as well.

Of course, like any medication, sertraline does come with potential side effects. Some people may experience nausea, diarrhea, or other digestive issues, while others may have difficulty sleeping or experience changes in appetite. For some people, SSRIs may also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.

Overall, though, sertraline can be a very effective treatment for depression and other mood disorders when used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.