Why do all Pyschatric Drugs osund like they were named by sci fi hacks

Because saying, "God, I need some Paroxetine Hydrochloride" would be just too much of a pain in the ass?

I like the long-form names. Plus when you tell people you take (500- letter name), it sounds like you've got a heart condition or something, NOT that you're just trying to get a cheap speed buzz by combining Paxil with vodka and Red Bull. Actually there is a serious answer to this question that I forget now, it can be found in a book by Jim Hogshire. I think it's related to the fact that tranquilizers and speed became popular in the 50s, which was the New Frontier time, space race etc.