The use of psychotropic drugs is a relevant issue for public health due to the serious side effects it can cause. The aim of this study was to find out about the use of psychotropic drugs in an academic community. The survey was carried out in the city of Campina Grande - PB, focusing on the use of psychotropic drugs. Among those interviewed, 13.9% declared their use. 96.6% said they came from a local area and the average age was 26.8 years. There was a higher incidence of Pharmacy students, most of whom declared a monthly income of up to one minimum wage. Anxiety had the highest percentage of incidence, followed by depression. Fluoxetine had the highest percentage of use. The majority had complaints; drowsiness accounted for the highest percentage, followed by nausea. Omeprazole and captopril were the most commonly reported concomitant medications. No possible drug interactions were found. Bearing in mind that the population studied is at a university health centre, it is very important to encourage them to learn about psychotropic drugs, as in the future they will be responsible for passing on their knowledge about drugs and health to the population.