Tranquilizers - what are they and how do they work? We will devote today's article to these and other questions.
General information
Tranquilizers - what is it? The word comes from the Latin tranquillo, which literally means "to calm". These are psychotropic drugs used to treat many diseases. It should be noted that today this remedy most often means anxiolytics, which relieve anxiety and fear. Previously, they were called "small tranquilizers", and neuroleptics were classified as "large" ones. However, these names have already fallen into disuse, since not all drugs of the presented groups have a hypnotic and sedative effect. Moreover, some of them (for example, Tofisopam) also have properties such as activating, disinhibiting and energizing. Most modern tranquilizers are classified as benzodiazepines.
History of Creation
To understand tranquilizers - what they are, you should refer to the history of the creation of these drugs.
In 1951 they were first synthesized, and four years later tested in clinicalpractice. As for the term "tranquilizer", it began to be widely used in medical practice only in 1957.
The first benzodiazepines, or rather the drugs Diazepam and Chlordiazepoxide, which were superior in efficiency to all previous tranquilizers, had pronounced psychotropic and somatotropic effects, realized through the normalization of autonomic disorders. They have been used in medicine since 1959.
Currently produced and such "anti-anxiety" drugs that do not belong to the group of benzodiazepines. In other words, they are not classic tranquilizers. New drugs such as Atarax or Afobazol do not have addictive potential. That is, these drugs do not cause dependence and further cravings for taking them. In this sense, they are safer.
The action of tranquilizers
Tranquilizers have such an effect on the body as:
- anxiolytic;
- hypnotic;
- sedative;
- anticonvulsant;
- muscle relaxant.
The ratio and severity of these actions in different drugs can be different, which is the reason for the peculiarity of their clinical use. However, the main and main effect of this remedy is anxiolytic, or "anti-anxiety". This effect of tranquilizers is manifested in reducing feelings of anxiety, anxiety and fear, as well as significantly reducing emotional tension. Shouldalso note that these drugs are often used to get rid of obsessive thoughts and increased suspiciousness. However, delusional, hallucinatory, affective and other productive disorders, which are accompanied by anxiety and fear, are not eliminated by tranquilizers.
Use Safety
Tranquilizers - what is it? Having answered this question, it should be noted that treatment with these drugs can be carried out only after consultation with a doctor and under his strict supervision. This fact is due to the fact that the use of tranquilizers can lead to addiction, that is, to a decrease in the effect, as well as to drug dependence (mental or physical).
