Tranquilizers: list of drugs, classification, use with alcohol

Our modern life sometimes presents many unpleasant surprises. Stress, worry, and anxiety have become constant companions of humans. When the next turmoil unsettles the calm, everyone begins to think about taking sedatives and stimulants. What to choose? What medicine for depression can you buy at a pharmacy without a prescription? Are such medicines dangerous?

The fight against depression is a common part of modern life.

What types of tranquilizers are there?

The group of tranquilizers is heterogeneous in its chemical composition. Their classification is based on this principle. In general, all tranquilizers are divided into two large groups:

• benzodiazepine derivatives;
• drugs of other pharmacological groups with anti-anxiety effects.

The most common benzodiazepine derivatives are Diazepam (Sibazon, Relanium, Valium), Phenazepam, Gidazepam, Alprazolam, Tofisopam (Grandaxin). Among tranquilizers from other chemical groups, the most common are Hydroxyzine (Atarax), Mebicar (Adaptol), Afobazol, Tenoten, Phenibut (Noofen, Anvifen), Buspirone (Spitomin).

Tranquilizers - list of drugs

In modern medicine, tranquilizers often mean anxiolytics that eliminate anxiety and fears of sleep. For this reason, this concept replaces the term “tranquilizers.” You can study the list of anxiolytics by group in the table:

Tranquilizers without a doctor's prescription

Most anxiolytics can only be prescribed by a doctor, which is why such drugs are sold according to his prescription. Although there is a group of products, the purchase of which does not require a prescription from a specialist. They can be easily ordered from an online pharmacy or bought straight away in a regular one. You can purchase tranquilizers without a doctor's prescription:

• Medazepam, or Rudotel;
• Zoloft;
• Hydroxyzine, or Atarax;
• Tofisopam;
• Phenazepam;
• Stresam, or Etifoxine;
• Paxil.

• Tablets for alcoholism without consequences for the patient
• Grandaxin - instructions for use. Why is Grandaxin prescribed, side effects and drug analogues
• Elzepam - drug instructions

New generation tranquilizers - list of drugs

A special place in the classification of anti-anxiety drugs is occupied by new generation tranquilizers. They are not addictive, but at the same time they do not exhibit their medicinal properties so strongly. In addition, such drugs often have side effects on the autonomic nervous system. This manifests itself in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and dry mouth. This group is recommended only because of the lack of addiction to its drugs. The list of new generation tranquilizers includes:

• Buspirone;
• Adaptol;
• Atarax;
• Afobazole;
• Etifoxine;
• Strezam;
• Amizil;
• Mexidol;
• Oxylidine;
• Phenibut.

Daytime tranquilizers

A separate clinical subgroup consists of daytime tranquilizers. In composition and effects they are close to benzodiazepine drugs. Daytime tranquilizers have only an anti-anxiety effect. Their sedative, muscle relaxant and hypnotic effects are minimally expressed. For this reason, such medications do not lead to lethargy and drowsiness, which is why they are prescribed to those whose work requires increased attention.

In general, such drugs help you lead a normal life during the day. They can be combined into the following list:

• Grandaxin;
• Gidazepam;
• Medazepam;
• Trimetozin;
• Trioxazine;
• Prazepam.

Expected effects of tranquilizers

Most tranquilizers have a wide range of effects:

• reduce anxiety and calm (that is, sedate);
• relax muscles (myorelaxation);
• relieve convulsive readiness during epileptic seizures;
• have a hypnotic effect;
• stabilize the functions of the autonomic nervous system.

This or that effect of a tranquilizer is largely determined by its mechanism of action, the characteristics of absorption and breakdown. That is, not every drug “can” do all of the above.

Features of treatment with tranquilizers for children and the elderly

In the vast majority of cases, tranquilizers are contraindicated for the treatment of children. If therapy is necessary for older people, reduced dosages are prescribed according to the current state of health. Progress is constantly monitored in order to stop the drug in time.

Danger of treatment

General contraindications for all groups of psychotropic drugs include:

• Myasthenia;
• Respiratory problems;
• Serious disorders of the kidneys and liver;
• Various diseases of the organs of vision;
• Current alcohol or drug poisoning;
• Pregnancy and lactation;
• Prolonged depression;
• The need to maintain concentration due to the nature of the profession.

In some cases, treatment is carried out with caution in a hospital setting. If there are serious indications for treatment of women during lactation, then breastfeeding is canceled for the entire period of taking the drug. After completing therapy, take a 2-3 week break. The same technique is used for patients whose work requires increased concentration. Treatment is carried out in a hospital setting, and upon completion there is a break of 2-3 weeks before starting work.

Side effects

Each drug has its own list of side effects. Some of them cause minimal harm to the body, but in most cases there is a risk of developing the following disorders:

• Daytime sleepiness;
• Dry mucous membranes;
• Decline in potency in men;
• Failure of the menstrual cycle;
• Gastrointestinal problems;
• Headache and dizziness;
• Failure in blood pressure readings (usually a decrease).

Treatment with tranquilizers is carried out only as prescribed by a doctor - it is he who sets the dosage and duration of therapy and monitors current changes. In any case, it is not recommended to exceed the duration of the established course, since many names cause addiction and withdrawal syndrome.

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What are “daytime” tranquilizers?

Due to the characteristics of their effects, a group of so-called “daytime” drugs is distinguished among tranquilizers. "Day tranquilizer" means, first of all, that it does not have a sleeping effect. This tranquilizer does not reduce concentration, does not relax muscles, and maintains the speed of thinking. In general, it is generally accepted that it does not have a pronounced sedative effect. Daytime tranquilizers include Gidazepam, Buspirone, Tofisopam (Grandaxin), Mebicar (Adaptol), Medazepam (Rudotel).

Classification of tranquilizers

Due to the fact that the list of anxiolytics is constantly updated with new drugs, their classification does not have a clearly defined form. Doctors still distinguish several main groups. The most common group in the classification of tranquilizers are benzodiazepine drugs. They can be divided into the following groups:

1. With a pronounced anxiolytic effect - Diazepam, Alprazolam, Phenazepam and Lorazepam. The last 2 drugs are the most powerful.
2. With moderate effects - Bromazepam, Oxazepam, Gidazepam, Clobazam.
3. With a predominantly hypnotic effect - Triazolam, Flunitrazepam, Midazolam, Nitrazepam, Estazolam.
4. With a pronounced anticonvulsant effect - Diazepam, Clonazepam.

The next group includes daytime tranquilizers. They are chemically similar to benzodiazepines, but may not be as potent. But by taking them, a person can adhere to his usual rhythm of life, because daytime tranquilizers do not lead to lethargy. These drugs include Gidazepam, Grandaxin, Medazelam and Oxazepam.

The last group includes new generation tranquilizers. Their advantage is that they are not addictive. Adaptol, Atarax and Afobazol are prominent representatives of this group of tranquilizers. They can be taken without fear of developing an addiction. Only the effect of these drugs is weak, and is often accompanied by side effects - nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

How do tranquilizers work?

All tranquilizers work at the level of brain systems that form emotional reactions. This includes the limbic system, the reticular formation, the hypothalamus, and the thalamic nuclei. That is, this is a huge number of nerve cells scattered throughout different parts of the central nervous system, but interconnected. Tranquilizers lead to the suppression of excitation in these structures, and therefore the degree of a person’s emotionality decreases.

The direct mechanism of action is well studied for benzodiazepine derivatives. There are various benzodiazepine receptors in the brain that are closely related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. GABA is the main inhibitory substance in the nervous system. Benzodiazepine derivatives act on their receptors, which is transmitted to GABA receptors. As a result, the inhibition system is activated at all levels of the central nervous system. Depending on which benzodiazepine receptors are involved, the nervous system realizes one or another effect. Therefore, for example, there are tranquilizers with a pronounced hypnotic effect, which are used primarily for the treatment of sleep disorders (Nitrazepam). And other tranquilizers from the benzodiazepine group have a more pronounced anticonvulsant effect, and therefore are used as antiepileptic drugs (Clonazepam).

CM. SEE ALSO: Tranquilizers and antidepressants: what is the difference?

Tranquilizers of other pharmacological groups can affect nervous excitability not only through GABA, but also with the involvement of other transmitter substances in the brain (serotonin, acetylcholine, adrenaline and others). But the result is the same: elimination of anxiety.

Tranquilizers and alcohol

Most tranquilizers cannot be combined with alcohol. Alcoholic drinks contain ethanol, which enhances the effect of the tranquilizer, so the nervous system is excessively depressed.

The simultaneous use of alcohol and tranquilizers can lead to the following consequences:

• dizziness;
• headache;
• drowsiness;
• impaired coordination;
• confusion;
• lack of emotional reaction.

The combination of alcohol and phenozepam results in “phenozepam sleep.” In this case, involuntary urination or bowel movements and vomiting may begin. A person may choke on vomit or simply stop breathing.

When are tranquilizers needed?

Tranquilizers are designed to treat specific symptoms. That is, with their help they get rid of individual manifestations of various diseases. And the range of these diseases is very wide. It is impossible to list all situations when tranquilizers may be needed. But we will try to indicate the most common ones. Indications for the use of tranquilizers are:

• neuroses and neurosis-like conditions;
• syndrome of vegetative-vascular dystonia with panic attacks;
• premenstrual and menopausal disorders;
• many psychosomatic diseases (peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, hypertension, coronary heart disease and others);
• post-traumatic stress disorder;
• convulsive syndrome;
• chronic alcoholism and drug addiction;
• reducing the desire to smoke;
• involuntary movements in the limbs and torso (hyperkinesis: tics, blepharospasm, myoclonus and others);
• increased muscle tone in various diseases (so-called muscle spasticity);
• premedication before surgery;
• sleep disorders;
• skin itching in patients with atopic dermatitis and allergic diseases.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are medications designed to combat the symptoms of depression. Depression is a mental disorder accompanied by a drop in mood, decreased intellectual abilities and motor skills.

A person in a depressed state cannot adequately assess his personality and often suffers from somatovegetative disorders (loss of appetite, muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, insomnia, lethargy, absent-mindedness, etc.).

Antidepressants not only stop such manifestations. Some of these medications even help fight smoking and bedwetting. They work as painkillers for pain of a chronic (protracted) nature .

Conditions for prescribing antidepressants

New generation antidepressants are considered the most effective. They relieve depressive symptoms subtly, delicately, without causing side effects or addiction.

Types of antidepressants

All drugs in this group are divided into two large categories:

Thymiretics . Stimulating agents. They are used in the fight against depression, which is accompanied by a depressed state of personality and pronounced depression.

Thymoleptics . Drugs with pronounced sedative properties. Such antidepressants minimize anxiety, have a relaxing effect, restore healthy sleep and relieve psycho-emotional states. Thymoleptics do not affect the state of the central nervous system in any way (they do not have a depressing effect on it).

Thymoleptic antidepressants are effective in the treatment of depressive conditions that occur with manifestations of agitation and irritability.

Features of taking antidepressants (compatibility with food)
Antidepressants are also divided into types that differ in the mechanism of action:

1. Stopping neuronal uptake of monoamines. These include non-selective agents (blocking the uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin). These are tricyclic antidepressants: Maprotelin, Fluvoxamine, Reboxetine, Amizol, Melipramine.
2. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO-B and MAO-A inhibitor). These are: Transamine, Autorix, Nialamid, Moclobemide, Pirlindol.

Antidepressants are also divided into:

• medications with a sedative-stimulating effect (Pyrazidol, Imipramine);
• drugs with obvious psychostimulating effects (Moclobemide, Transamine, Fluoxetine, Nialamid);
• drugs that have a sedative effect (Trazadone, Amitriptyline, Tianeptine, Pipofezin, Mirtazaline, Paroxetine, Maprotiline).

The most widespread are antidepressants with a blocking effect on the uptake of monoamines. Such medications are most effective; their therapeutic effect is observed after 2-3 weeks of use.

Do I need a prescription?

A prescription for purchasing antidepressant medications from pharmacies will only become necessary in the following cases:

1. Exacerbation of the disease.
2. Treatment of severe and long-term depression.
3. If an atypical course of the disorder is observed.

Treatment of mild forms of depression can be carried out with the help of medications sold freely in pharmacies (over-the-counter) . Antidepressants without prescriptions, the names of which are presented below, are new generation drugs.

New generation antidepressants “saw the light” in 2000

Modern drugs have an undeniable advantage over previously produced antidepressants. They give much fewer side effects, are not addictive, and have a quick healing effect on the body. The new generation of drugs can be combined with the simultaneous use of other medications.

List of antidepressants without prescriptions

Myths about tranquilizers and fear of their use

The need for treatment with tranquilizers, as well as the choice of drugs, is determined by the doctor.
Many people are afraid of the very word “tranquilizers”. For most, this term is associated with some kind of mental illness or with the inevitable formation of drug addiction, as well as with the likelihood of partial memory loss. Therefore, having read in the instructions or heard in a pharmacy that such and such a drug is a tranquilizer, people refuse to use it. I would like to dot the i's and dispel some of the myths associated with the use of tranquilizers.

Firstly, the above main indications for prescribing tranquilizers are mostly common diseases. After all, vegetative-vascular dystonia syndrome or gastric ulcer have nothing to do with mental disorders, right?! But without tranquilizers it is sometimes impossible to get rid of these ailments. Secondly, tranquilizers should only be prescribed by a doctor. The situation is completely wrong when a tranquilizer was recommended by a work colleague or neighbor, a pharmacist at a pharmacy, and so on. When prescribing a particular drug, the doctor will take into account the nature of the profession, the presence of concomitant pathology, and other factors to carry out a safe course of treatment. Thirdly, the tranquilizer should be taken in the minimum effective dose for the shortest possible course. WHO has determined the optimal timing of use of benzodiazepine tranquilizers in order to reduce the risk of addiction. It lasts 2-3 weeks. It is also recommended to carry out treatment in intermittent courses with a gradual reduction in dosage. Fourthly, there are tranquilizers that are not addictive. These are mainly tranquilizers of other chemical groups (Afobazol, Atarax, Mebicar). Their anti-anxiety effect is less pronounced compared to benzodiazepine tranquilizers, but when using them there is no fear of addiction even with long-term use. It should also be borne in mind that those symptoms that tranquilizers are designed to eliminate can be much more harmful to health than the use of tranquilizers itself. Thus, in fact, with a competent approach to the treatment process, the use of tranquilizers has significantly more advantages than disadvantages.

Indications for use

Symptoms indicating the need to take tranquilizers:

• Fear
• Panic attacks
• Increased anxiety
• Mood swings, irritability, nervousness
• Sleep disorders

When choosing a drug, the question often arises: what is the difference between tranquilizers and antidepressants? If we talk about first-generation drugs and strong tranquilizers, their long-term use causes dependence and addiction, followed by withdrawal symptoms.

Antidepressants, like daytime tranquilizers and new generation drugs, do not cause addiction or dependence.

What is better, tranquilizers, antidepressants or antipsychotics, is decided by the doctor in each case.

The most common tranquilizers

Diazepam (Sibazon, Valium, Seduxen)

A drug with a long history of use in medicine. Due to the breadth of the spectrum of effects, the speed of onset of the effect, and the minimal frequency of side effects with the correct selection of doses, Diazepam occupies a strong position among tranquilizers. It has a pronounced anticonvulsant effect, which has made it a first-line drug for treating patients with epilepsy. Allows you to quickly eliminate panic attacks when administered intravenously, and has a pronounced anti-anxiety effect. There are dosage forms in the form of tablets, suppositories and solutions for parenteral use. Included in the list of drugs used by ambulance personnel. However, you should be careful with it: with its prolonged use for more than 2 months, addiction may develop. The drug is prescribed on a special prescription form and is not subject to free sale in pharmacy chains.

CM. SEE ALSO: Tranquilizers and antidepressants: what is the difference?

Phenazepam

This is one of the most powerful tranquilizers. It has to a pronounced extent all the main effects of tranquilizers: anti-anxiety, hypnotic, muscle relaxant, vegetative stabilizing. It is quickly absorbed when taken orally, and after about 15-20 minutes it begins to work fully. The undoubted advantage of Phenazepam is its relatively low cost. Also applies to prescription drugs. Taking Phenazepam should be strictly supervised by your doctor. Addiction to the drug can develop, so the most appropriate is its occasional use (the total duration of one course of treatment should not exceed 1 month).

Gidazepam

This tranquilizer has a pronounced anti-anxiety effect, while being devoid of strong sedative, hypnotic and muscle relaxant effects. This allows it to belong to the group of daytime tranquilizers. Well tolerated, very rarely causes side effects. It has a fairly wide safe dose range. It is produced in the form of tablets in doses of 20 and 50 mg, but is produced in Ukraine, so it cannot always be bought in the Russian Federation.

Tofisopam (Grandaxin)

Another daytime tranquilizer. Provides all the effects of this group of drugs, except miralaxant and anticonvulsant. Due to its good tolerability and lack of sedation effect, it is very widely used in the treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia and menopausal disorders. Can be taken longer than other benzodiazepines without causing addiction. On average, the drug is used from 4 to 12 weeks continuously. Available in the form of 50 mg tablets.

Atarax (Hydroxyzine)

Another tranquilizer with great experience. In addition to all the effects inherent in tranquilizers, it has antiemetic and antiallergic effects. Approved for use in children. It has almost no effect on the cardiovascular system, which makes it attractive for elderly patients.

Adaptol (Mebicar)

Daytime tranquilizer. A relatively new drug among other tranquilizers. Not only does it not cause drowsiness and addiction, but it also has an activating and antidepressant effect. Many people note the normalization of brain activity and acceleration of thought processes when taking it. There is even information about the pain-relieving effect of the drug. May slightly reduce blood pressure. The drug has an effect even with a single use (for example, in a traumatic situation). Adaptol is approved for use by people whose professional activities involve work that requires attention and speed of response.

Tenoten

The drug is an antibody to a special brain protein. In addition to the anxiolytic effect, it has a nootropic effect. Improves tolerance to mental and physical stress, improves memory. There are dosage forms for children and adults. Can be used for several months (up to six months) if necessary without any addictive effect.

Buspirone (Spitomin)

A relatively “mild” tranquilizer because it is not addictive and does not sedate. It even has an antidepressant effect to some extent. It should be noted that the onset of clinical effect when using Buspirone will have to wait 7-14 days. That is, a single dose of 1 tablet is useless from the point of view of anti-anxiety action. Can be used for a long time (several months). Able to prevent sexual disorders with existing depressive symptoms.

Phenibut (Noofen)

Another drug that combines the effects of a nootropic and an anxiolytic. Improves memory, facilitates learning, exercise tolerance, improves sleep (without having a direct hypnotic effect). Able to eliminate involuntary movements (especially effective for tics), helps with motion sickness. Does not cause addiction with long-term use. Phenibut is considered primarily a nootropic drug with ankyolytic properties, so not all doctors consider it a tranquilizer.

Afobazole

A modern daytime tranquilizer without addictive effects. It is well tolerated by patients, but it works only at the end of the first week of use (and therefore is not suitable for quickly eliminating anxiety). On average, it will take 1 month of taking it to develop a sustainable effect. It is especially indicated for emotionally vulnerable and delicate spiritual natures, prone to self-doubt and suspiciousness.

It becomes clear from all of the above that tranquilizers are a group of medications necessary to preserve people’s mental health. They help relieve tension from the human nervous system in the modern world in order to prevent the development of many diseases. However, they cannot be used independently and uncontrollably, so as not to harm yourself. Tranquilizers have the right to exist provided they are prescribed by a doctor.

Side effect

If the dosage and duration of use are observed, tranquilizers have virtually no side effects.

When taking strong benzodiazepines, side effects can be expressed:

• loss of attention;
• drowsiness;
• impaired coordination;
• dizziness;
• fatigue;
• lowering blood pressure.

Chronic use of strong tranquilizers can lead to:

• muscle weakness;
• blurred vision;
• urinary incontinence;
• constipation;
• liver damage;
• decreased sexual desire.

What sedatives will be sold without a medical form?

Considering all the side effects and consequences, it is better not to purchase tranquilizers without prescriptions. Here are the names of drugs that can still be purchased in the domestic pharmaceutical network completely freely:

• Phenazepam;
• Atarax (Hydroxyzine);
• Zoloft;
• Paxil;
• Etifoxine (Strezam);
• Tofisopam;
• Rudotel (Medazepam).

It is almost impossible to purchase more “heavy” psychotropic medications without a prescription (including in online pharmacies), since they are essentially narcotic drugs.

The most harmless tranquilizers are Selnak and Afobazol. A mild sedative effect is produced by the homeopathic drug Tenoten and the herbal drug Deprim.

If you ask for a tranquilizer at a pharmacy, then most likely they will offer you an antidepressant - Azafen, Asentra and others.

List of the best drugs

Best Antidepressants Without a Prescription (Herbal)

Some antidepressants have fewer unwanted effects. More often they have a weak therapeutic effect, so they can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription.

Such drugs include:

• Afobazole (has a mild antidepressant, anti-anxiety effect);
• Negrustin (anti-anxiety and antidepressant drug);
• Leuzea extract (improves appetite and mood, increases performance);
• tincture of ginseng (reduces fatigue, increases blood pressure and performance);
• Schisandra tincture (has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, increases blood pressure, improves vision);
• Persen (helps relieve irritability, relieve sleep disorders, increased nervous excitability);
• Novo-Passit (eliminates anxiety).

Medicines that can be purchased without a prescription help cope with neuroses, but they should not be taken for a long time and uncontrolled.

Features of application

The decision about the need for treatment with tranquilizers is made only by a doctor. The use of this group of drugs requires compliance with special conditions. First of all, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the use of most tranquilizers, especially benzodiazepines, can lead to addiction. To avoid this, the dose of the tranquilizer is increased gradually, reaching the optimal one. The duration of use should not exceed two to three weeks. At the end of the course of treatment, the dose of the medication is reduced gradually. If long-term treatment is necessary, a tranquilizer is prescribed in courses with breaks between them.

Note! Modern anxiolytics of non-benzodiazepine origin are not addictive, so they can be used longer. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor.

Tranquilizers, as already mentioned, have a sedative effect on a person, which can manifest itself in a deterioration in concentration. Therefore, you should not drive a car while being treated with tranquilizers. The least pronounced sedative effect is found in “daytime” tranquilizers - Gidazepam, Trimetozin, Mebicar, Atarax.

Important! The combined use of anxiolytics and alcohol is contraindicated, as this leads to severe depression of the nervous system.

When they don't give you a prescription

Some daytime tranquilizers are sold in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. There is an allowed list. If you buy any of it, not a single pharmacist will be able to criticize you. For example, “Lyudiomil” copes well with apathy and anxiety, relieves the feeling of inhibition and stabilizes the functioning of the psyche. However, it is contraindicated during pregnancy and kidney diseases.

Prozac or Fluoxetine is prescribed to treat painful menstruation, anxiety, and mild panic. With regular use, obsessive thoughts go away and your mood improves. Nousmoke helps to get rid of bad habits. In addition, it really improves human performance.

There are also daytime tranquilizers without prescriptions, which are more correctly called antidepressants. These are “Sirestill”, “Rexetin”, “Plizil”, “Adepress”. These drugs relieve stress and improve mental health.

Among the sedatives one can highlight Novopassit and Persen. They contain mint, valerian, lemon balm, St. John's wort, hops and elderberry. Only “Persen” is softer and does not make you sleepy.

What it is?

Let's consider the very concept of “daytime tranquilizers”. What is it and what is it eaten with? It has already been said that these are psychotropic medications indicated for the treatment and elimination of anxiety, fear and anxiety, as well as emotional tension. However, the drugs do not impair cognitive function. Any pharmacist can give a brief tour of the world of tranquilizers, but he has no right to sell most of them without a prescription.

Today, daytime tranquilizers are still compared with anxiolytics. These are precisely the means that relieve fear and tension. Previously, they were called “minor tranquilizers,” but the “major” ones are antipsychotics, that is, drugs that have a sedative and hypnotic effect.

Daytime tranquilizers are prescribed for the treatment of many diseases, so their use should never be a symptom of a nervous condition or severe tension.

Effect of drugs

So, how can daytime tranquilizers help? Drugs can be divided based on their main function. They may have sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant effects.

We will try to analyze the drugs of each group:

• For example, the anxiolytic effect is the reduction of fear, anxiety and restlessness. Such light daytime tranquilizers are prescribed for obsessive thoughts and increased suspiciousness regarding one’s health.
• Sedatives are characterized by a decrease in excitability, a decrease in concentration and reaction speed.
• The hypnotic effect of the drugs is expressed in facilitating the onset of sleep, increasing its depth and duration.
• Finally, the muscle relaxant effect is the relaxation of skeletal muscles. Drugs of this group relieve motor tension and eliminate convulsions.

It should be remembered that in groups, tranquilizers can enhance each other’s effect or neutralize it. So the intake must follow the doctor's prescription. Getting it is not so difficult, considering that the drugs are used for all types of anxiety disorders.

When using the products, it is not recommended to drink alcohol, as it enhances the effect on the central nervous system, which can be accompanied by severe side effects.

Tranquilizers in medicine

The use of anxiolytics is indicated for psychopathic pathologies and neuroses, which are accompanied by a whole group of symptoms. Among them are:

• panic;
• fear;
• anxiety and tension;
• emotional instability;
• irritability;
• anxiety;
• sleep disorders.

What is treated with tranquilizers besides anxiety? They are prescribed for psychosomatic disorders. These include diseases that arise as a result of the influence of physiological and psychological factors. This applies to anxiolytics, i.e. a minor tranquilizer. Neuroleptics are already used for serious mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, manic-depressive syndrome and hallucinations.

Literature

1. Neznanov N.G., Vid V.D. J. Psychiatry and Psychopharmacotherapy, 2004.
2. Arana D., Rosenbaum D. Pharmacotherapy of mental disorders (translation from English edited by Mosolov S.N.) Bean, 2004.
3. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy and tolerability compared with other classes of antidepressants. Part 2, Consilium Medicum, 2007.
4. Inflammatory illness: Why the next wave of antidepressants may target the immune system, Nature Medicine 23, 1009–1011 (2017).
5. Novel psychopharmacological therapies for psychiatric disorders: psilocybin and MDMA, Lancet Psychiatry Volume 3, No. 5, p481—488, May 2019.

Lyudmila Zhavoronkova

Higher medical education. 30 years of working experience in practical medicine.

More about the author

Last updated: October 26, 2019

1. Solovyova I.K. Anxiolytics: yesterday, today, tomorrow. Regular issues of "RMZh" No. 5 dated March 18, 2006.
2. Tiunov S.V. Stressplant: a new generation of plant-based tranquilizers. 2001.
3. Osadshiy Yu.Yu., Voblenko R.A., Archakov D.S., Tarakrnova E.A. The place of benzodiazepines in modern treatment of mental disorders. 2019.
4. Onegina E.Yu. On the issue of the safety of using phenazepam in general medical practice. "Polyclinic" No. 4, 2019
5. Ashton H. // Curr. Opin. Psychiatry. - 2005. - V. 18 (3). - P. 249-255., Voshaar RC et al. // Brit. J. Psychiatry. — 2006.

Good mood pills: what is their difference?

The main difference between the drugs is that tranquilizers are medications designed to eliminate any manifestations of depression:

• help cope with feelings of endless melancholy, loneliness and anxiety;
• relieve irritability;
• quell fear and despair.

The effect of these medications appears within a few minutes after taking the tablet and lasts up to 24 hours. But if you miss the next dose after that, negative feelings and worries will come back with renewed vigor.

In turn, antidepressants are not able to “turn around” the state of the nervous system so quickly. To get the effect of taking medications, you will need to take a whole course of pills. But when the pills do start to work, their work will be aimed at eliminating the problem at the root, and not at temporarily eliminating the consequences.

It can be very difficult for a patient to stop taking tranquilizers. The so-called withdrawal syndrome occurs, accompanied by many negative symptoms:

• sweating;
• convulsions;
• the emergence of new emotional anxieties and experiences;
• increased heart rate;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• slow reaction.

But it’s much easier to “jump” off antidepressants. Over a long course of administration, the active substances will already have time to accumulate in sufficient quantities in the blood and tissues, which means they will have an effect on the central nervous system for some time after stopping the drug.

In most cases, tranquilizers and antidepressants are prescribed together: some should help get rid of symptoms, while others will look for and eliminate the cause of their occurrence.

Price of tranquilizers

The cost of a particular medicine depends on the manufacturer, the number of pieces in the package and the degree of impact. For example, the price of the drug Grandaxin is 358 rubles for 20 tablets (50 mg). For the same medicine, but in the amount of 60 pieces, you will have to pay 800-900 rubles. The price of the drug Adaptol is similar.

The new generation anxiolytic drug Afobazol can be considered more affordable. Its cost is 384 rubles. for 60 tablets (10 mg). Here is the price of tranquilizers from other groups:

• Atarax – 271 rub. for 25 tablets (25 mg);
• Stresam – 339 rub. for 24 capsules (50 mg);
• Mebicar – 270 rub. for 20 capsules (300 mg).

Effect, purpose of application

In medical practice, benzodiazepine derivatives are used in the treatment of the following neurological diseases:

1. Anxiety disorder . The Institutes of Health recommend the use of benzodiazepines for short-term treatment, lasting no more than 1 month. The dosage depends on the level of anxiety, age and health of the patient. They should be used with caution in the elderly due to the risk of excessive sedation and impairment or loss of consciousness.
2. Insomnia . Medicines help you fall asleep faster and increase your sleep time. Because tranquilizers can be addictive, they are used for short-term treatment of severe insomnia.
3. Treatment of alcohol addiction . Medications help patients with detoxification and reduce the risk of negative consequences during abrupt alcohol withdrawal. Medicines relieve symptoms and can save the patient's life.
4. Epilepsy attacks . Some drugs in this group are effective in preventing seizures.
5. Panic attacks . The rapid anti-anxiety effect allows medications to be used to relieve anxiety associated with panic disorder.
6. Neuroses of various origins.

Eg

If we describe the daytime tranquilizer “Grandaxin”, then we need to highlight its anxiolytic effect. This is an effective psycho-vegetative regulator that eliminates various forms of autonomic disorders and stimulates activity. Due to the presence of a muscle relaxant effect, the drug can be used to treat patients with myopathy and myasthenia. In small doses it does not cause addiction.

Many consumers used the daily tranquilizer Grandaxin. Reviews indicate that there is an effect, and it can be called gentle, since patients did not experience discomfort or side effects. The drug was described more positively by workaholic women who really need some stimulation of activity.

But the daytime tranquilizer “Adaptol” helps eliminate anxiety, worry and fear. It affects the activity of areas of the brain responsible for the occurrence of emotions. Despite the sedative effect, the drug does not cause feelings of euphoria, drowsiness or impaired coordination of movements. Also, the medicine does not affect mental activity, but can improve attention. After administration, the drug is quickly absorbed into the blood, and the high concentration remains for longer than four hours. It does not accumulate in the body and is released within 24 hours in urine and feces. The drug does not cause dependence.

What is the difference between medications?

Antidepressants and tranquilizers differ in that they belong to different pharmacological groups and have different effects on the central nervous system.

In most cases, tranquilizers have a pronounced sedative effect. They are capable of causing:

• apathy,
• drowsiness,
• decreased physical activity.

Their goal is to eliminate psychomotor agitation in aggressive patients; they prescribe drugs in small doses in short courses.

Antidepressants have more therapeutic effects. Only some drugs from this group have an effect similar to the effect of tranquilizers. The difference from each other is that they relieve symptoms of depression: they give strength and increase internal motivation.

The differences also lie in different chemical structures and interactions with other substances. Sometimes doctors prescribe taking medications from these 2 groups simultaneously.

Help from nature

You can also identify a natural daytime tranquilizer with an antidepressant effect. Tinctures of lemongrass, lemon balm, mint and even maraya root have proven themselves well. There is also a plant called Leuzea, which improves a person’s mood, calms them down and puts them in a positive mood. Doctors say that most antidepressants affect the metabolic processes of brain mediators and improve the production of the hormones norepinephrine and serotonin. You can drink tinctures of chamomile and ginseng as an antidepressant, as well as tea with calendula, honey and motherwort.

Among the purchased products, one can also highlight a wide range of antidepressants. These are stimulants, sedatives, and also have a hypnotic effect. Such substances optimize pathological changes in mood during depression. They also improve thinking processes and increase inhibited activity. In particular, we can highlight “Imipramine”, the same “Fluoxetine”, “Moclobemide”. They stimulate rather than calm - Amitriptyline, Doxepin and Fluvoxamine. And if you need a remedy that can cope with lethargy and anxiety, then doctors will use Clomipramine.

Antidepressants are prescribed for a long term - from six months or more. A one-time use of the drug is pointless, so you only need to take it in a course and for quite a long time. You need to start with a small amount and make sure that the dosage does not exceed the therapeutic dose. Treatment ends with a decrease in the daily amount.

Mechanism of action

Tranquilizers have several main types of effects on the patient’s body:

• anti-anxiety;
• soothing;
• hypnotic;
• anticonvulsant;
• relaxing muscles.

The main effect of any drug of this pharmacological group is anxiolytic. Hence the name of some drugs - anxiolytics. This effect on the patient is achieved by reducing the general state of anxiety, obsessive thoughts and ideas (obsessiveness), reducing the level of fear, and eliminating strong anxiety about one’s own health (hypochondriasis).

In addition, changes occur in the rate of occurrence of excitation processes in the central nervous system, which helps to reduce the severity of the patient’s mental and motor reactions to most stimuli.

The hypnotic effect helps to cope with insomnia, normalizes both the onset of sleep and the ratio of fast and slow phases, thus increasing the quality of night's rest. Side effects may occur, such as drowsiness, increased duration above normal. Some patients sleep more than 16 hours a day after taking drugs of this pharmacological series.

An extremely important effect for patients with epileptogenic foci in the central nervous system is anticonvulsant. Tranquilizers have a suppressive effect on these centers, reducing their activity and the speed of seizures.

Relaxation of the patient's skeletal muscles has a positive effect on reducing tension and motor agitation, due to which a person can injure or injure himself or others. However, the use of drugs with a similar effect can significantly reduce performance in those people who need a high speed of psychomotor reactions.

If it is necessary to use tranquilizers by athletes, drivers, workers in hazardous industries and other professions that involve the need to keep the situation under control, it is necessary to consult with your doctor in order to determine the degree of need for therapy with such drugs.

In addition, tranquilizers have a stabilizing effect on the autonomic nervous system, reducing the likelihood of somatic manifestations of fear and anxiety:

• tachycardia;
• increased sweating;
• increased blood pressure;
• digestive disorders;
• increased blood glucose levels and other possible manifestations.

Anti-anxiety drugs have their own classification, which divides them according to their chemical composition, compatibility with other drugs and the severity of their properties. Only 5 of the latter stand out:

• anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety;
• sedative, i.e. sedative;
• sleeping pills, i.e. facilitating the onset of sleep;
• muscle relaxant, or relaxant;
• anticonvulsant, or suppressing epileptic activity.

Each drug combines these properties in different proportions. In general, the mechanism of action of tranquilizers on the body is as follows - the substances in the tablets have an effect on nerve endings called benzodiazepine receptors. As a result, a person “forgets” the state that caused him anxiety or fear.