tranquilizer /trang″kwilī′zər/ [L, tranquillus, calm] , a drug prescribed to calm anxious or agitated people, ideally without decreasing their consciousness. Major tranquilizers are generally used in the treatment of psychoses and are now generally referred to as antipsychotic drugs. Minor tranquilizers are usually prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, irritability, tension, or psychoneurosis and are now generally referred to as antianxiety drugs or sedative-hypnotics. Tranquilizers tend to induce drowsiness and have the potential for causing physical and psychological dependence. Also spelled tranquillizer. See also antipsychotic.
