Pharmacology: Gender-Specific Considerations in the Use of Psychoactive Medications

This chapter focuses on considerations in prescribing psychoactive medications for women. Women present to physicians more often and have higher rates of anxiety and depression than do men. Psychotropic medications are prescribed for women nearly twice as much as they are for men, but there is little research information on the differences in drug effects between men and women. Among the most frequently prescribed drugs are the anxiolytics and sedative-hypnotics that often fall into the benzodiazepine group and have high abuse potential. Antidepressants and antipsychotics usually do not have abuse potential. However, some anticholinergics, which are prescribed in conjunction with antipsychotics to reduce side effects, can be abused. Stimulants, which are often prescribed for weight control, also have potential for abuse.