Tranquilizer
In pharmacology, a drug that calms and relieves anxiety.
The first tranquilizer, chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride (brand name: Librium) received FDA approval in 1960. Tranquillizers range in potency from mild to major, with increasing levels of drowsiness occurring as potency increases.
They are prescribed for a wide variety of conditions, but are used primarily to treat anxiety and insomnia.
Most tranquillizers are potentially addictive, particularly those in the benzodiazepine family.
See benzodiazepine tranquilizer.