Tranquilizers

There are about 20 tranquilizers in the benzodiazepine family of tranquilizers. Some of the popular ones are diazepam (Valium), Fluorazepam (Dalmane), oxazepam (Serax), and chlordiazepoxide (Librium). In addition to being prescribed for anxiety, they are also used as muscle relaxants, sedatives, anesthetics, and as supportive medication for withdrawal from alcohol. These drugs were introduced in the 1960s, and they quickly replaced other drugs that were then being used as tranquilizers. Their popularity seems to be now in decline, partly due to the more cautious attitude physicians have in prescribing them.

The amount of adverse effects is low. There is only a slight depression in respiratory rate and the amount needed for an overdose is very high, at a ratio of 200 (excess) to 1. Used in suicide attempts the results lead more to confusion and drowsiness without damage of a permanent nature. Librium (chlordiazepoxide) has some record of causing coma when taken in high dosages. Some people may react to benzodiazepines by losing inhibitions and expressing hostile or aggressive behavior that is not characteristic of their personalities, especially if they have been experiencing a high rate of frustration.

Since benzodiazepines produce less euphoria than other types of tranquilizers there is less chance of a dependency reaction that leads to abuse. Minor tranquilizers are generally not sought after by the illegal drug abuse market, nor are any of the other neuroleptic medications used to treat such mental illnesses as schizophrenia, manic depression, or depression. Some withdrawal symptoms can develop with benzodiazepines if they are used for an extended period of time, such as a month or more. While there may be such symptoms as increased anxiety, sensitivity to bright lights, twitching of the muscles, nausea, and even convulsions, there is not a craving for the drug itself. Symptoms can be reduced by withdrawing from the drug gradually and Dilantin can be used for convulsions.