Final answer:
In the given context, 'effect' is the correct word, as it refers to the outcome of the medication. The word 'affect' is a verb that means to influence, whereas 'effect' as a noun signifies the result. The placebo effect and side effects of psychotropic drugs are relevant examples of how affect and effect are involved in medication outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinction between affect and effect is one that is often confused. In the context provided, the correct word to use is effect. The word affect is generally used as a verb meaning "to produce a change in," while effect is used as a noun to denote the "result" or "outcome" of an action. For example, in the sentence "The effect of the medication on me was significant," the medication has produced a change, which is the result we are talking about.
It's also important to note the placebo effect, which is a psychological phenomenon where a person experiences a physiological benefit from a placebo, a treatment that has no therapeutic effect, simply because they believe it to be effective. This demonstrates that our expectations and beliefs can sometimes have just as much impact as the actual medication we take.
Going beyond that, psychotropic or neuroleptic drugs can bring about significant changes in a person's affect, which refers to their displayed emotions or feelings. These medications can lead to various side effects that can be both physical and psychological in nature.