Question

Define tranquilizers with an example.

Answer 1

Tranquillizers:

• Tranquillizers are the chemical substances that are used to treat nervous system disorders.
• Tranquillizers are a medicinal drug that helps in reducing stress, depression, mental disorder and anxiety.
• The term ‘tranquillizer’ is also described as anti-anxiety medication.
• The term was introduced in the year 1953 to describe drugs that have a calming effect.
• They are chemical combinations that are very useful in the treatment of stress and mild or severe mental diseases.
• They can be hypnotics, sedatives, antidepressants and narcotics.
• For example, diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, equanil etc.
  

Tranquillizers come in two varieties.

Minor Tranquillizers:

• Minor Tranquillizers also called anxiolytics are used for sedation and to treat anxiety.
• Nowadays, these drugs are called antianxiety medications.

Major tranquillizers:

• Major tranquillizers also called neuroleptics were developed to treat psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia.
• These drugs combat hallucinations and other delusions.
• Usually prescribed for long terms, major tranquillizers include phenothiazines, thioxanthenes, butyrophenones, clozapine and rauwolfia alkaloids.