TRANQUILIZER

Major tranquilizers (antipsychotic agents, or neuroleptics) are used to treat schizophrenia and other psychoses ; phenothiazines, including chlorpromazine, are the best known. They are thought to block the activity of the {{link=neurotransmitter">neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Minor tranquilizers (antianxiety agents, or anxiolytics) are used to treat anxiety and tension; they are usually benzodiazepines, including diazepam (Valium) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium). They have a calming effect and reduce both physical and psychological effects of anxiety, fear, and stress by enhancing the action of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.