Introduction to Psychopharmacology

Psychopharmacology is the study of chemical substances that have an effect on the psyche. In this section, we will review the active ingredients that can be used in veterinary psychiatry. They are classified by family and mechanism of action. Thus, from chapter to chapter, we describe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), benzodiazepines, sympathicolytics, antiepileptics, tetracyclic antidepressants or NaSSAs, neuroleptics, and other molecules not classifiable in the previous families. A chapter is dedicated to hormonal treatments. This section ends with treatments using over the counter molecules. Before considering the many molecules that can be used in veterinary psychiatry, it is appropriate to review the mechanism of action of psychotropic drugs in general and the main principles of their prescription.