Psycho-pharmacology review Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Psycho-pharmacology review - Research Paper Example When taken by pregnant women, the drug is known to cause various birth defects. Studies reveal that sertraline is very effective in the treatment of some subtypes of depression and panic disorder but not in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (O'Kearney). Although the drug is used to treat social phobia and posttraumatic stress disorder, it leads to only modest improvement in these conditions. 2. Ritalin: The generic name of this drug is methylphenidate hydrochloride which is a central nervous system stimulant. Ritalin is used in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It is also used in the symptomatic management of narcolepsy. Ritalin can become addictive. Some of the common side effects of this drug include nervousness, agitation, anxiety or irritability, trouble sleeping (insomnia), loss of appetite, headache, stomach ache, nausea, dizziness and heart palpitations. It is also known to cause some serious side effects like slowing of growth in children, seizures and eyesight changes or blurred vision. Although there is no information regarding the safety and effectiveness of long-term Ritalin treatment in children, it has been found to be very effective in the treatment of ADHD (St. Louis Psychologists and Counseling Information and Referral).