Posted 6/16/2018 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
I took Stelazine anti-psychotic many years ago, during a very wild, angry state which ended in a nervous breakdown. It took away my anger and it also took away any good emotions that I might have had.
It was very rough.
Newer style anti-psychotics probably aren't that bad.
Anti-depressants take away the depression.
You said, "would like to ask you if you have noticed that, in general, anti-psychotics cause fewer side effects on cognition, focus, studying, or are usually much worse in terms of tolerability compared to SSRIS, SNRIS, TCA, etc."
With Stelazine, there was no thought of studying or focus, my mind was in such a neutral, numb state.
Anti-depressants, such as the Mirtazapine that I'm taking now, just basically get me out of depression side of my bipolar. I also take Lithium for the mania side of my bipolar.
Although, as you say, "nothing technical since every person reacts differently to medication."
Pediaa.com said:
Difference Between Antipsychotic and Antidepressant
Use
Antipsychotic: The primary aim of antipsychotics is to control episodes of psychosis characterized by delusions and hallucinations.
Antidepressant: Anti-depressants mainly target uplifting the mood of an individual affected by depression.
Mechanism
Antipsychotic: Antipsychotics block Dopamine receptors, resulting in the control of higher extroversion levels and reckless behaviors, thereby relaxing the mood.
Antidepressant: Major anti-depressants (SSRI) mainly aim at increasing the levels of serotonin by inhibiting the serotonin receptors in the brain, resulting in elevated mood, relaxation, and peace.
Therefore, antipsychotics are known as mood relaxants while anti-depressants are known as mood uplifters.
Side Effects
Antipsychotic: Main side effects of typical antipsychotics could be tremors, restlessness, muscle spasms, and even sexual dysfunction. The adverse effects of atypical antipsychotics could be unusual weight gain, diabetes, and disorders in lipid metabolism.
Antidepressant: Major side effects of anti-depressants are nausea, vomiting, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbances, and loss of appetite.
Alternative Treatment
Antipsychotic: Disorders treated with Anti-depressants can also be treated successfully with Cognitive behavioral therapy and Hypnotherapy.
Antidepressant: Disorders which are treated with antipsychotics are known to be responding only to those; non-pharmaceutical interventions are found to be ineffective.