Types of Tranquilizers & Prescription Sedatives: Uses & Side Effects
From calming anxieties to managing severe mental health conditions, tranquilizers and prescription sedatives play a vital role in healthcare. However, their use increases the risk of misuse and addiction, causing dangerous consequences.
We’ll discuss the types, uses, side effects, and risks associated with these medications to help you make responsible and informed decisions about using them.
Types of Tranquilizers & Prescription Sedatives
There are two types of tranquilizers—minor and major tranquilizers. Minor tranquilizers amplify the effects of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This leads to feelings of relaxation and calm.
Major tranquilizers (antipsychotics) are medications used for severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It stabilizes mood and reduces symptoms.
Minor tranquilizers are often intended for short-term use and extended use can lead to dependence. Meanwhile, major tranquilizers are prescribed for long-term use and can have a significant impact on your mental state. Both medications are effective and come with risks and side effects.
Uses of Tranquilizers & Prescription Sedatives
Numerous tranquilizers are available for use. However, most of them require a prescription from a doctor. This is mainly due to the drug’s high potential for misuse.
Prescription tranquilizers include:
| Medication | Use | Examples |
| Benzodiazepines | A minor tranquilizer used to reduce anxiety, seizures, insomnia, panic attacks, insomnia, and agitation. | Alprazolam, Diazepam, Oxazepam, Clonazepam, Temazepam, Lorazepam, Flurazepam. |
| Opioids | Often prescribed for severe chronic or acute pain. | Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Roxicodone, Hydromorphone, Morphine, Fentanyl. |
| Barbiturates | Sleep-inducing sedatives used for seizures, migraines, insomnia, and epilepsy. | Phenobarbital, Secobarbital, Amobarbital, Pentobarbital. |
| Sleeping pills | Hypnotic medications prescribed to people with insomnia. | Zolpidem, Triazolam, Eszopiclone,Zaleplon. |
Over-the-counter (OTC) Tranquilizers
Some sedative drugs can be purchased over the counter. These are typically used for insomnia, cold treatment, and other minor health issues.
Two common OTC sedating medicines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Both medications can produce a significant sedative effect.
Another OTC option is kratom, a narcotic marketed as alternative medicine. However, kratom is currently under inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its tranquilizing properties. In some states, such as Indiana, kratom is illegal.
Side Effects & Risks of Tranquilizers
When used properly tranquilizers can make you feel relaxed, drowsy, or sleepy. These effects can help relieve anxiety, induce sleep, prevent seizures, and relax muscles.
However, some tranquilizers like benzodiazepines and opioids can result in dependency, addiction, and withdrawal when abused. There’s also a risk of overdose when you combine tranquilizers with other substances or other tranquilizers.
Because many opioid medications are combined with acetaminophen (Tylenol, APAP), there is a serious risk of liver damage and organ failure. Opioids can also cause respiratory depression and constipation.
Other adverse side effects of tranquilizers include:
- Pruritic itching
- Sexual dysfunction
- Nausea
- Lowered appetite
- Seizures related to withdrawal
- Lowered cognition
- Short-term memory loss
- Irregular heart rate
Should You Mix Tranquilizers With Alcohol?
No, combining alcohol with any sedative drug can be dangerous. Mixing alcohol with tranquilizers can be fatal because of increased sedation.
Mixing these substances can also lead to alcohol poisoning or overdose. Additionally, you should never mix alcohol, tranquilizers, and other drugs with heroin, ketamine, and marijuana.
Sponsored
Online Therapy Can Help
Over 3 million people use BetterHelp. Their services are:
- Professional and effective
- Affordable and convenient
- Personalized and discreet
- Easy to start
Answer a few questions to get started
Signs and Symptoms of a Tranquilizer Addiction
The clinical symptoms of physical dependency on tranquilizers include:
- Lowered inhibition
- Unusual happiness or euphoria
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Noticeable change in appearance
- Bruises, swelling, and minor injuries related to falling while sedated
- Needle marks, bruising, and/or swelling caused by needle use
Additionally, you may notice behavioral changes such as “doctor shopping” to get their next fix. This means they’re talking with different doctors to get multiple prescription tranquilizers.
Sponsored
Get Professional Help
BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.
Answer a few questions to get started
Tranquilizer Withdrawal Symptoms
If you stop using tranquilizers after long-term use, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Abruptly stopping the medication can cause life-threatening side effects, such as:
- Seizures
- Breathing problems
- Heart arrhythmia
- Muscle spasms
- Heavy sweating or hot flashes
- Nausea
However, different tranquilizers may have different withdrawal symptoms. For example, opioid withdrawal can lead to abdominal cramping, chills, and musculoskeletal pain. On the other hand, benzodiazepine withdrawal can result in anxiety attacks, insomnia, tremors, concentration difficulties, and psychosis.
Treatment Options for Tranquilizer Addiction
Tranquilizers can lead to addiction over time, especially in long-term abuse cases. Contact a medical practitioner or go to the emergency room to get immediate help during the withdrawal phase of recovery.
Available treatment options for addiction include:
- Inpatient treatment: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision.
- Outpatient treatment: A treatment program where people are allowed to leave the rehab facility.
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs): A treatment program where you stay at a rehab facility for a day and return home at night.
- Medical detox: Medically supervised detox used to avoid harmful withdrawal effects
- 12-step programs: A support group designed to help guide you through the recovery process and maintain sobriety
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, remember that help is available. We encourage reaching out to a healthcare professional or treatment center to begin the journey toward recovery.
What's Next?
Sponsored
Get matched with an affordable mental health counselor
Find a TherapistAnswer a few questions to get started
- “Benzodiazepines and Opioids.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2018.
- Bonner, L. “Pain Patients on Trajectory for Long-Term Opioid Use after Just 5 Days, CDC Finds.” Pharmacy Today, 2017.
- Gupta et al. “Withdrawal Syndromes.” Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 2023.
- Poceta, S. “Zolpidem Ingestion, Automatisms, and Sleep Driving: a Clinical and Legal Case Series.” Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, JCSM, Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2011.
- Oberbarnscheidt, T. “Kratom- A Lethal Drug On The Rise.” Journal of Addiction and Prevention, 2019.
- Grant et al. “Sedative/Tranquilizer Misuse is Associated With Alcohol and Illicit Drug Problems, Mental Health Issues, and Impulsivity and Compulsivity in University Students.” J Addict Med, 2020.
