What Are Brain Drugs Called? A Guide to Psychotropic Medications

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2015, an estimated 119 million Americans, or 44.5% of the population aged 12 or older, used prescription psychotropic drugs [1.4.1]. The answer to 'What are brain drugs called?' is complex, encompassing several classes of medications that affect brain chemistry.

Quick Summary

The colloquial term 'brain drugs' most often refers to psychotropic medications used to treat mental health conditions. These drugs work by altering brain chemicals called neurotransmitters and are categorized into five main types.

Key Points

Official Term: The medical term for 'brain drugs' is psychotropic medications, which are agents that alter mood, perception, and behavior by acting on the central nervous system [1.5.3].
Five Main Classes: Prescription psychotropics are categorized into five main types: antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers [1.2.2].
Neurotransmitter Action: Most psychotropic drugs work by altering the levels of key brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine [1.5.3].
Conditions Treated: These medications are used to treat a wide array of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder [1.3.4].
Prescription is Essential: Psychotropic medications are not a cure and should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional due to potential side effects and interactions [1.2.2].
Nootropics Distinction: Nootropics, or 'smart drugs,' are different; they are substances used to enhance cognitive function and include both prescription drugs and largely unregulated dietary supplements [1.2.3].
Common Examples: Well-known examples of psychotropics include Prozac (antidepressant), Xanax (anti-anxiety), Adderall (stimulant), Risperdal (antipsychotic), and Lithium (mood stabilizer) [1.9.5].

Understanding the Terminology: Psychotropics and Psychoactives

The colloquial term "brain drugs" scientifically refers to psychotropic medications. These are any drugs that affect brain function, altering perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior [1.9.1]. They work by adjusting the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which are messengers that allow brain cells to communicate [1.2.2]. Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are associated with various mental health conditions [1.5.3]. It is crucial to understand that these medications treat the symptoms of mental health disorders but are not a cure; they are often most effective when combined with psychotherapy [1.2.2].

The Five Major Classes of Prescription Psychotropic Medications

Psychotropic drugs are broadly classified into five main types, each targeting different symptoms and conditions [1.3.1]. A healthcare professional must conduct a full evaluation to determine which medication is appropriate for an individual's specific diagnosis and symptoms [1.3.2].

1. Antidepressants

Antidepressants are primarily used to treat clinical depression but are also effective for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders [1.3.6, 1.3.5]. They generally work by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain [1.3.5].

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): The most commonly prescribed class, SSRIs like Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline), work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain [1.3.1, 1.9.3].
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): These medications, such as Effexor (venlafaxine), gradually increase both serotonin and norepinephrine [1.3.1].
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): An older class of antidepressants, MAOIs are less common today due to the risk of serious side effects and necessary dietary restrictions [1.3.5].

2. Anti-Anxiety Medications (Anxiolytics)

Anxiolytics are prescribed to treat various anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, phobias, and generalized anxiety [1.3.1].

Benzodiazepines: This class, which includes Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam), enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, resulting in a calming effect [1.5.3]. They are typically prescribed for short-term use due to the risk of dependence [1.3.5].
Beta-Blockers: Sometimes used to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a rapid heartbeat and trembling [1.3.1].

3. Stimulants

Stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy. They are most often prescribed for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy [1.3.1, 1.3.5]. Medications like Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall (amphetamine) work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain [1.5.4, 1.9.3]. While they can improve concentration and have a calming effect on individuals with ADHD, their long-term use can lead to dependence [1.3.1, 1.5.3].

4. Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics are used to manage psychosis, a condition where an individual loses touch with reality, experiencing delusions or hallucinations [1.2.2]. These medications are treatments for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and sometimes augment antidepressants in major depressive disorder [1.3.5].

First-Generation (Typical) Antipsychotics: These older drugs, such as Haldol (haloperidol), work primarily by blocking dopamine receptors [1.5.3].
Second-Generation (Atypical) Antipsychotics: Newer medications like Risperdal (risperidone) and Abilify (aripiprazole) block dopamine and also act on serotonin receptors [1.3.2, 1.9.3]. They often have fewer motor side effects but can increase the risk of metabolic issues like weight gain and diabetes [1.9.3].

5. Mood Stabilizers

As the name suggests, mood stabilizers are used to treat the significant mood swings characteristic of bipolar disorder [1.9.3]. They are also sometimes used for schizoaffective disorder and certain personality disorders [1.3.5, 1.3.2]. Lithium is the most well-known mood stabilizer, and certain anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medications like Lamictal (lamotrigine) and Depakote (divalproex) are also used effectively [1.3.2, 1.9.3]. The exact mechanism of mood stabilizers is not fully understood but involves influencing several neurotransmitter pathways [1.3.5].

Comparison of Psychotropic Medication Classes


Medication Class	Primary Use	Common Examples	General Mechanism of Action
Antidepressants	Depression, Anxiety Disorders	Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Cymbalta (duloxetine)	Increase levels of serotonin and/or norepinephrine [1.3.1, 1.3.5]
Anti-Anxiety	Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Insomnia	Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam)	Enhance the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA [1.5.3]
Stimulants	ADHD, Narcolepsy	Adderall (amphetamine), Ritalin (methylphenidate)	Increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine [1.5.4]
Antipsychotics	Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis	Risperdal (risperidone), Seroquel (quetiapine), Abilify (aripiprazole)	Primarily block dopamine receptors; atypicals also affect serotonin [1.5.3]
Mood Stabilizers	Bipolar Disorder, Mood Swings	Lithium, Lamictal (lamotrigine), Depakote (valproic acid)	Multiple, including reducing excitatory activity and increasing inhibitory activity of neurotransmitters [1.5.3]

Nootropics: "Smart Drugs" and Cognitive Enhancers

Another category often colloquially called "brain drugs" are nootropics, also known as "smart drugs" or "cognitive enhancers" [1.2.4]. This broad group includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter supplements, and synthetic compounds that claim to improve cognitive functions like memory, focus, and creativity [1.2.1, 1.7.5].

Prescription Nootropics: These are often the same medications used to treat ADHD, such as Adderall and Ritalin, or narcolepsy, such as Provigil (modafinil) [1.2.3]. Their use by healthy individuals for cognitive enhancement is controversial and discouraged by medical associations [1.7.4].
Dietary Supplements: This category includes substances like caffeine, L-theanine, and creatine [1.2.3]. The FDA does not regulate these supplements for safety and effectiveness in the same way as prescription drugs [1.2.3]. Evidence for their efficacy is often limited, and some products may contain unapproved or hidden ingredients [1.2.1, 1.2.5].

Conclusion

The term "brain drugs" encompasses a wide range of substances, but it most accurately refers to psychotropic medications. These are powerful, prescription-only drugs divided into five main classes—antidepressants, anti-anxiety agents, stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers—that work by modulating neurotransmitters to treat diagnosed mental health conditions [1.3.1]. The use of these medications requires careful diagnosis and monitoring by a healthcare professional due to their specific actions and potential side effects [1.2.2]. Separately, nootropics or "smart drugs" are substances used to enhance cognition, but their effectiveness and safety, particularly for over-the-counter supplements, are not as well-established [1.2.3].

Authoritative Link: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Mental Health Medications

Frequently Asked Questions

The five main types are antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications (anxiolytics), stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers [1.2.2].

They work by altering the balance of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which helps to manage the symptoms of various mental health disorders [1.2.2, 1.5.3].

The terms are often used interchangeably. A psychotropic drug is a type of psychoactive drug that crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts on the central nervous system to affect brain function, resulting in changes to mood, perception, or behavior [1.9.1].

No, although their uses can overlap. Antidepressants, like SSRIs, are often used as a first-line treatment for both depression and anxiety disorders [1.8.4]. Specific anti-anxiety drugs, like benzodiazepines, are typically used for more immediate relief or short-term treatment of severe anxiety and panic [1.3.5].

Prescription psychotropic drugs are FDA-approved to treat specific medical conditions like ADHD or depression [1.2.5]. Nootropics, or 'smart drugs,' are substances purported to enhance cognition in healthy individuals; this category includes both prescription drugs used off-label and over-the-counter dietary supplements which are not regulated by the FDA for efficacy or safety [1.2.1, 1.2.3].

No, you should not suddenly stop taking psychotropic medications. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms and other severe side effects. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen [1.2.2].

Side effects vary greatly depending on the drug class but can include drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain, nausea, and changes in mood or sleep patterns [1.6.1, 1.5.3]. It is important to discuss potential side effects with a healthcare provider.