Measuring the side effects of psychotropics: the behavioural toxicity of antidepressants

Abstract

The psychopharmacological profiles of 15 psychotropic drugs used as antidepressants are reviewed, and their relative behavioural toxicity ratings are compared. The pharmacodynamic activity of these drugs was assessed using a standardized test battery which included critical flicker fusion threshold (CFF), choice reaction time (CRT), tracking and subjective rating scales. It is reported that there is a wide range of behavioural toxicity exhibited by these compounds, although there is little measurable difference in their clinical efficacy. Drugs which have low behavioural toxicity should therefore be preferred as they are less disruptive of patients' everyday activities, produce better quality of life and are not counter-therapeutic.