Tranquilizers - what is it and how do they work? We will devote today's article to these and other questions.
General information
Tranquilizers - what is it? This word was formed from the Latin tranquillo, which literally means "reassure." These are psychotropic drugs used to treat many diseases. It should be noted that today under this tool most often mean anxiolytics, which relieve anxiety and fear. Previously they were called "small tranquilizers", and neuroleptics were referred to as "large" tranquilizers. However, these names have already gone out of use, since not all drugs of the presented groups have hypnotic and sedative effects . Moreover, some of them (for example, the “Tofizopam” product) also have properties such as activating, inhibiting and energizing. Most modern tranquilizers belong to the group of benzodiazepines.
History of creation
To understand tranquilizers - what it is, you should refer to the history of the creation of these drugs.
In 1951, they were first synthesized, and four years later tested in clinical practice. As for the term "tranquilizer", it began to be widely used in medical practice only in 1957.
The first benzodiazepines, or rather the preparations Diazepam and Chlordiazepoxide, which exceeded all previous tranquilizing drugs in effectiveness, had pronounced psychotropic and somatotropic effects, realized through the normalization of autonomic disorders. They began to be used in medicine since 1959.
Currently, such “anti-anxiety” drugs are also available that do not belong to the benzodiazepine group. In other words, they are not classic tranquilizers. New drugs like “Atarax” or “Afobazole” do not have addictive potential. That is, these drugs do not cause addiction and further craving for their intake. In this sense, they are safer.
The action of tranquilizers
Tranquilizers have an effect on the body such as:
- anxiolytic;
- hypnotic;
- sedative;
- anticonvulsant;
- muscle relaxant.
The ratio and severity of these actions in different drugs can be different, which is due to the peculiarity of their clinical use. However, the main and main effect of this drug is anxiolytic, or "anti-anxiety." Such an effect of tranquilizers is manifested in reducing the feeling of anxiety, anxiety and fear, as well as significantly reducing emotional tension. It should also be noted that these drugs are often used in order to get rid of obsessive thoughts and increased suspiciousness. However, delusional, hallucinatory, affective and other productive disorders, which are accompanied by anxiety and fear, tranquilizers are not eliminated.
Safety of use
Tranquilizers - what is it? Having answered this question, it should be noted that treatment with these agents can be carried out only after consulting 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 drug dependence (mental or physical).