What's a "Psychotropic Drug"?

QUESTION: What's a "psychotropic drug"? Are they dangerous to take? Is it
all right for any kind of doctor to prescribe them or are psychiatrists the
only ones with the right to use them?
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ANSWER: The answer to your first question can be found by analyzing the Greek
origins of the word. "Psyche" means "soul" or "mind", while the Greek word
"tropos" means "to turn" and when used in combination with another word can
mean" tending to change". So a psychotropic drug is one that changes our
minds, the way we think, and can correct alterations in thought brought about
by illness. There are many types of such medications, useful in a variety of
conditions, and having different chemical formulas and effects. Their
development have greatly altered the way psychiatric illnesses can be managed,
and their relative safety and effectiveness allow many patients to be treated
at home with consultations in the doctors' offices rather than periods of
hospitalization formerly considered necessary. All medications have unwanted
side effects and risks, but the proper choice of a medication used in a
specific situation can pay big dividends. Any properly licensed physician may
use any approved medication, but usually do so only when they are certain of
their knowledge of the proper use and effects of the medication. While
psychiatrists may use larger doses of stronger medications for the difficult
case, family physicians can an do successfully treat many psychological and
emotional disorders in their offices.