Dictionary

Tranquilizers are a class of psychoactive drugs used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other mental health conditions. They work by slowing down the central nervous system and reducing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain involved in arousal and stress response. Tranquilizers are also sometimes used as sedatives to induce sleep.

The most common tranquilizers include benzodiazepines (such as Valium and Xanax) and barbiturates (such as Phenobarbital). Tranquilizers can effectively reduce anxiety and insomnia symptoms, but they also have potential side effects, including drowsiness, memory impairment, and dependence.

Long-term, repeated use of tranquilizers can lead to physical and psychological dependence. For this reason, tranquilizers are typically used for short-term treatment, and healthcare providers monitor their use to ensure they are being used safely and effectively.