There are several classes of psychotropics, e.g. sedatives, antipsychotics and antidepressants. Consent Use of prescribed medication requires consent. Psychotropics are classed as major medical treatments. Occasional or prn use can be initiated by a doctor but consent should be confirmed later. Dosages Each psychotropic drug has a set dose or range of dosage at which it is effective.
General guidelines are well documented, but individual patients vary in their requirements.
All drugs have at least two names. One is the pharmacological or chemical name, e.g. diazepam, and is always written in lower case. The other is the trade name registered by the pharmaceutical company who makes it, and has an initial capital letter. If more than one company make it there may be several trade names, e.g. Valium, Ducene. Tardive dyskinesia, a delayed onset, consists of abnormal movements usually affecting the mouth which may be irreversible.