Psychoactive medicinal products

A psychoactive medicinal product drug is a medicinal product that can affect mood, emotions, sensations, awareness, and other psychological and behavioural functions.

Sleep-inducing and hypnotic drugs, sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs, neuroleptics and antipsychotic drugs, and antidepressants, psychostimulants and appetite suppressants are all psychoactive medicinal products. Illegal drugs (cannabis, heroin, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, etc.) are also psychoactive.

When using psychoactive medicinal products, beware of dependence!

Psychoactive drugs must be used with care and in moderation. They must always be covered by a medical prescription. The doctor will determine the duration of treatment based on changes in symptoms, or the course of the condition being treated. When they are misused or not medically managed, they can have side effects, and can lead to dependence.

Long-term use of psychoactive medicinal products can lead to addiction and dependence. Self-medication with psychoactive medicinal products should be avoided, because of their properties. Old medicinal products in boxes that have already been opened should not be taken without medical supervision: this can lead to dependence, e.g., not being able to get to sleep without taking sleeping tablets.

Lastly, combining several psychoactive medicinal products medicines is dangerous, especially since certain medical interactions are unknown.

Important advice

• Never start using old psychoactive drugs again without medical supervision, and without a new prescription.
• Never give your medication to anyone else: prescriptions are individual and personal.
• Respect the doses and treatment durations prescribed by your doctor.
• Never buy medicinal products online: the substances sold could be harmful to your health. These products do not always undergo the routine quality controls provided for by European legislation.
• Consult your doctor if you are suffering from insomnia or anxiety. Do not take psychoactive drugs on your own initiative.