Tranquilizers

What is a tranquilizer?

• A drug that reduces mental disturbances
• Treat anxiety and fear
• Can relax the muscles
• May be used to induce sleep
• Can be in the form of a pill or a needle

Kinds of tranquilizers

• Benzodiazepines
• Some antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Medical treatments (alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, and clonazepam)

Benzodiazepines

• Primarily used to treat anxiety
• Can be a treatment for insomnia and seizures
• Side effects include sedation and dizziness
• Can cause physical dependence (addiction)
• There are withdrawl symptoms for an addict

antidepressants

• Used to treat depression
• Can cause dependence (addiction)
• Side effects include nausea, anxiety and tremors
• Can cause serious withdrawl symptoms
• Very dangerous when not prescribed by doctor

Xanax

• A type of benzodiazepine 
• Can be obtained legally by prescription
• Short-term use but highly addictive
• Can cause depression, rage, and restlessness
• Hallucinations are common in abusers 

Symptoms of abuse

• Drowsy 
• Slurred speech
• Many bottles from multiple doctors
• Large dosages and pill counts
• Loss of memory

Tranquilizers and the Brain

• Many act on the GABA receptor to reduce brain activity
• Slows the brain's functioning to reduce anxiety