home Audience 6 Tranquilizers with a muscle relaxant effect. Tranquilizers (main properties). Side effects of tranquilizers

Tranquilizers with a muscle relaxant effect. Tranquilizers (main properties). Side effects of tranquilizers

The complexity of daily life challenges our patience, will, discipline and emotional balance, testing our limits daily.

A stressful daily life, chronic stress and fatigue often lead to more serious disorders such as anxiety, sleep problems, lazy mood, depression and many others.

Psychological and behavioral disorders have shown an alarming trend of increasing global incidence, which is also one of the main reasons for research towards the treatment and manifestations of this type of diseases.

Tranquilizers are a group of drugs that came onto the market around 1950 and are one of the most commonly used drugs today. They used to be divided into major and minor groups, but due to inconsistency in naming their uses, risks of addiction, and unwanted effects, the terms are quickly falling out of favor.

What are tranquilizers?

Tranquilizers are a group of drugs that have the ability to eliminate nervous tension, feelings of fear and anxiety. They create a lethargic feeling when stressful circumstances arise. Tranquilizers have a calming effect and facilitate the onset of sleep, some of which are successful in complex therapy for seizures of various etiologies.

Tranquilizers are also called anxiolytics and relieve symptoms of anxiety (fear, restlessness, uncertainty, nausea, sweating, trouble sleeping, etc.).

They include several main groups of drugs:

benzodiazepine derivatives: chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, oxazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, bromazepam, midazolam and others
diphenylmethane derivatives: hydroxyzine, capodiam
carbamates: meprobamate, emiclamate
barbiturates: phenobarbital, secobarbital
Azaspirodecanedione derivatives: buspirone
antidepressants: tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
some beta blockers: propranolol
other: gepirone, etofocin, mefenoxalone, gendocaril

The main agents most commonly used in clinical practice are numerous benzodiazepine agents, and barbiturate drugs are most commonly used due to lower efficacy and higher risks compared to benzodiazepine derivatives.

Benzodiazepines are used for short-term treatment of various types of anxiety disorders, acute anxiety and others, and long-term use carries risks of developing drug addiction.

Some of the alarming events are successfully responded to by beta blockers, which suppress sympathetic activation and relieve associated symptoms (palpitations, tremors, high blood pressure, etc.).

Many antidepressants have some anxiolytic effect and can be used in the treatment of anxiety, since the risk of developing dependence is much lower.

Depending on age, severity of symptoms, type of disease, presence of underlying diseases, and use of other medications, each individual patient is approached individually, and the therapeutic plan must be tailored to his specific needs.

The same drug demonstrates varying efficacy and activity in different patients and individual diseases, with dose control and optimal use also varying depending on individual patient characteristics.

Indications for tranquilizers

The drugs are most commonly used in tablet or capsule form, depending on the dosages most commonly used, and you can find drugs with different strengths in a single dosage form.

Depending on some of its pharmacokinetic features, the most commonly used group, namely benzodiazepines, exhibits a variable high rate of absorption after oral administration.

Depending on the duration of their action and their retention in the body, they are divided into short-acting drugs with a half-life of less than five hours, such as midazolam, intermediate-acting triazolam, plasma half-life of 5 to 24 hours (such as alprazolam, lorazepam) and long-acting drugs (24-hour plasma half-life) such as diazepam.

Their mechanism of action includes enhancing the suppressive effect of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) on the central nervous system.

Benzodiazepines cause the following main pharmacological effects in the body:

anxiolytic: when taken in small doses
sedative-hypnotic: in low doses they cause sedation and have a sleepy effect when taken in high doses
anticonvulsant: suppresses the development and spread of seizures in the central nervous system
muscle relaxers: reduce muscle tone
anterograde amnesia: when taken in high doses, it is impossible to remember what happens while the drug is taking effect

The main indications for their use as anxiolytics are anxiety, panic disorders (episodic paroxysmal anxiety), depressive disorders, other anxiety disorders, agoraphobia, myoclonus, social phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, Tourette's syndrome and others.

Extremely suitable for short-term therapy and treatment of acute anxiety, showing very good results. Their use over a long period of time poses serious health risks.

Risks and side effects of tranquilizers

Tranquilizers can cause a number of unpleasant symptoms, such as drowsiness, confusion, disorientation and incoordination, muscle weakness, and less often muscle pain, xerostomia (dry mouth), blurred vision, etc.

Tolerance develops over time, gradually, but mainly to the anticonvulsant and sedative effects. The anxiolytic effect does not develop tolerance, therefore the need to increase the dose over time. Continuous treatment with tranquilizers and especially with benzodiazepine derivatives creates a risk of developing drug addiction.

After stopping long-term treatment (more than three months), a typical withdrawal syndrome manifests itself with insomnia, anxiety, headache, tremors, gastrointestinal complications, etc.

The degree of central nervous system suppression varies from severe drowsiness to coma depending on the dose and the individual sensitivity and sensitivity of the patient. Main signs include severe muscle weakness, ataxia, drowsiness, speech disorders (unintelligible speech), lethargy. Comatose and respiratory depression with respiratory depression develops in multiple doses and is severely poisoned.

Due to the risk of toxic reactions and drug addiction, it is recommended to store them out of reach.

In patients with certain underlying conditions (severe liver or kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, severe depression with suicidal thoughts and behavior), tranquilizers should be administered with caution and, if necessary, using a lower dose.

They are not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically directed by your healthcare professional when the benefits of their use outweigh the risks to the fetus, newborn, or infant.

Concomitant use of tranquilizers with certain other medications increases the risk of toxic effects, side effects and deterioration of the patient's general condition.

These are, for example, sodium valproate, barbiturates, ethanol, some antifungals (ketoconazole), antibiotics (erythromycin), anticoagulants (heparin) and others.

You should tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including those available without a prescription, commonly used pain relievers, and dietary supplements, herbs, and botanicals.

Unauthorized changes to your prescribed treatment plan are contraindicated because abruptly stopping therapy or increasing or decreasing your dose pose serious risks to your health. Always consult your doctor and, if you have any doubts, suspicions or questions about therapy, do not be afraid to ask.

1.1. with pronounced sedative and hypnotic effects: diazepam, phenazepam;

1.2. with minimal sedative and hypnotic effects (“daytime” anxiolytics): medazepam, tofisopam, etc.

Serotonin receptor agonists: buspirone

Antagonists of central H1-histamine and M-cholinergic receptors: hydroxyzine

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, anxiolytics are quickly and completely absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, their bioavailability is about 90%. The maximum concentration in the blood is achieved within 1–2 hours. Most of the administered anxiolytic binds to blood proteins. The vast majority of drugs in this group are metabolized in the liver (mainly with the participation of cytochrome P450 3A4) and are excreted from the body in a metabolized form in the urine. Almost all anxiolytics penetrate well through the blood-brain and placental barriers.

Mechanisms of action of anxiolytics

Anxiolytics of the benzodiazepine series interact with specific benzodiazepine receptors (they are agonists of these receptors), which are part of the postsynaptic GABA A receptor complex in the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines increase the sensitivity of GABA receptors to the mediator (GABA), which causes an increase in the frequency of opening channels in the cytoplasmic membrane of neurons for incoming currents of chlorine ions. As a result, the inhibitory effect of GABA is enhanced and interneuron transmission is inhibited in the corresponding parts of the central nervous system.

Buspirone differs from other anxiolytics both in its chemical structure and mechanism of action. Buspirone has a strong affinity for the serotonergic 5-HT 1A receptors and no significant affinity for the GABAergic system, including benzodiazepine receptors. The drug has a moderate affinity for D 2 -dopamine receptors.

Sedative and partly anxiolytic effects can be achieved by blocking central histamine (H 1) receptors, since the histaminergic structures of the brain regulate many fundamental processes, including the sleep-wake cycle, level of wakefulness and level of aggressiveness, eating behavior, as well as state cognitive functions. Blockade of histamine receptors by hydroxyzine reduces the level of wakefulness, which leads to a decrease in anxiety levels.

Pharmacological effects and indications for use

The standard representative of the group of benzodiazepines is diazepam. It has a pronounced anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic effect. In addition, it is characterized by muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant and potentiating effects. Diazepam is used for neurotic disorders, insomnia, and local spasms of skeletal muscles. Diazepam is a universal anticonvulsant. Used as a premedication.

As a rule, diazepam is prescribed orally. The initial daily dose is 0.005-0.01, if necessary it is gradually increased. To achieve rapid anxiolytic, pronounced sedative effects, and relief of seizures, diazepam is administered parenterally (intravenously, intramuscularly). Intravenous administration of diazepam must not be carried out slowly, monitoring respiratory function due to possible depression of the respiratory center.

“Daytime” anxiolytics have a predominantly anti-anxiety effect with an activating component, improving mental functions, eliminating the constraining influence of fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. Sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant effects are minimally expressed. “Daytime” anxiolytics impair mental and physical performance, attention, and psychomotor reactions to a lesser extent. Doses are selected individually, starting with the minimum: medazepam 0.005/day, tofisopam 0.05-0.1/day

When using anxiolytics, drowsiness, ataxia, impaired coordination of movements, decreased memory and attention are noted. These phenomena are caused by the sedative and muscle relaxant effects of the drugs and are combined with the term “behavioral toxicity.” In most patients, these effects are dose-dependent; adaptation to them occurs over time, so they are most pronounced in patients receiving the drug for the first time. In elderly patients, side effects of anxiolytics occur more often and at lower doses. Anxiolytics are not recommended for use as sleeping pills in persons of any age with sleep apnea syndrome due to the risk of sleep apnea.

The use of benzodiazepine anxiolytics can lead to the formation of drug dependence (mental and/or physical). The risk of dependence increases with long-term use, especially in high doses, as well as in patients with a history of drug and alcohol dependence. Treatment with anxiolytics can only be carried out under medical supervision. The course of treatment should be as short as possible. After stopping the drug, the patient may experience withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, depression, insomnia, nausea, tremor). To prevent this, the dose of the drug should be reduced gradually. The WHO Consensus Commission (1996) does not recommend the use of benzodiazepine drugs continuously for more than 2–3 weeks.

Non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics include buspirone and hydroxyzine. Buspirone is a serotonin receptor agonist. It does not affect benzodiazepine receptors and therefore does not have a stimulating effect on the GABAergic system. The drug does not have a sedative effect, does not have muscle relaxant or anticonvulsant effects. The anxiolytic effect occurs later compared to benzodiazepines. The recommended starting dose is 0.005 3 times a day.

Hydroxyzine is an antagonist of central H1-histamine and M-cholinergic receptors. It has a pronounced sedative and moderate anxiolytic effect. Unlike benzodiazepines, hydroxyzine does not cause addiction with long-term use. The anticholinergic effect can be manifested by dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation. Treatment begins with a dose of 0.025-0.5/day.

Tranquilizers are medications that are used to relieve panic, anxiety, stress and depression. Drugs in this group are also called anxiolytics. The name comes from two Greek words that literally mean the dissolution of anxiety.

The tranquilizing effect manifests itself as follows:

weakening of internal tension;
reducing the feeling of anxiety, anxiety, fears.

These drugs have no effect on cognitive, that is, cognitive functions of the brain, or it is extremely weakly expressed. They also do not affect mental disorders - hallucinations, delusions.

Indications for use for all tranquilizers are different. They are also prescribed to eliminate acute symptoms - for a short course of treatment.

65 years ago...

The first tranquilizer was created in 1951. It was called Meprobamate. It was clinically tested only four years later, in 1955. year. And the name of the group - tranquilizers - appeared even later, in 1957.

Benzodiazepine tranquilizers were created in 1959, the first drug was. At the same time, anxiolytic effectiveness was discovered in the antihistamine Hydroxyzine.

Today, the group of tranquilizers includes about a dozen substances under international nonproprietary names; according to trade names, the list of drugs is much larger - several dozen.

Difference between tranquilizers and antidepressants

Tranquilizers, by their action, reduce the severity of emotional manifestations - be they positive or negative emotions.

Antidepressants “elevate your mood,” that is, they help increase positive emotions and reduce negative ones.

There is also a difference in the mechanism of action. Anxiolytics stimulate the activity of benzodiazepine and GABAergic receptors, suppressing the limbic system.

Antidepressants are serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a substance that helps improve mood. When antidepressants act, the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft increases - as a result, its effectiveness increases.

Classification of drugs group

The entire group of tranquilizers is divided into subgroups based on the interaction of drugs with different types of receptors:

benzodiazepine receptor agonists(benzodiazepine tranquilizers) - Clozepid, Mezapam, Tofisopam;
serotonin receptor agonists — ;
substances with different types of action- , Amizil, Mebikar.

The first subgroup is used most often. This includes drugs that are benzodiazepine derivatives. They also have their own classification, based on the duration of action of the drug:

long-acting agents— these include Phenazepam and Chlorazepam, their effect lasts up to 48 hours;
means with an average duration of action- these are Alprazolam and Nozepam, they remain effective for 24 hours;
to the third group - short acting— includes the drug Midazolam, its duration of action is less than six hours.

There is another type of classification - by generation:

the very first tranquilizers, or first generation— Hydroxyzine and Meprobamate;
co second generation include benzodiazepine tranquilizers - Chlorazepam;
V third generation drug included.

According to their chemical structure they are divided into:

benzodiazepine derivatives - Phenazepam, Diazepam;
carbamine esters - Meprobamate;
diphenylamine derivatives - ;
derivatives of different groups - .

This is a separate group of drugs in which sedative and hypnotic effects are minimized. There is no suppression of cognitive functions. Thanks to this, the drugs can be taken during the working day.

One of the representatives of daytime anxiolytics is Grandaxin. The active ingredient of this drug is tofisopam.

Available in tablet form. The pharmacological action is similar to that of benzodiazepine tranquilizers, with the exception of the hypnotic effect. Indicated for stressful situations, severe premenstrual and menopausal syndrome.

The dosage is selected individually, on average 150 mg per day for three doses. Side effects include headache and dyspeptic symptoms.

Contraindicated in case of respiratory failure, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Benzodiazepine drugs

Benzodiazepine tranquilizers can have the following effects on the body:

anxiolytic- the main thing for this group, eliminating anxiety;
sedative- mild calming effect;
hypnotic action;
muscle relaxant, that is, helping to eliminate muscle tension;
anticonvulsant.

The presence of these effects is due to the influence of drugs on the limbic system of the brain. Benzodiazepine tranquilizers have the most powerful effect on the hippocampus. A less pronounced effect is on the hypothalamus and reticular formation of the brain. In the hippocampus, these drugs suppress the process of reverse transmission of nerve impulses.

This mechanism of action is associated with the effect of these drugs on benzodiazepine receptors. They, in turn, have a close relationship with GABAergic receptors.

Therefore, when benzodiazepine anxiolytics stimulate “their” receptors, other receptors are also stimulated. Due to this, anxiolytic and sedative effects occur.

The ability of tranquilizers to relax tense muscles is due to the inhibition of spinal reflexes - impulses emanating from the spinal cord. The same effect causes.

By their structure, benzodiazepine tranquilizers are lipophilic substances. Due to this property, they are able to easily penetrate the biological barriers of the body, including the blood-brain barrier.

In the body, these drugs form a bond with blood plasma proteins. In addition, they can accumulate in adipose tissue. They are excreted through the kidneys and in small quantities through the intestines.

For benzodiazepine tranquilizers, there is an antagonist used in overdose - Flumazenil. Its action is based on blocking benzodiazepine receptors. As a result, tranquilizers cannot form a bond with them and do not have their effect.

Phenazepam is the most popular

Available in the form of tablets and solution for injection. The pharmacological action is characterized by a pronounced anxiolytic effect, moderate anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and hypnotic effects.

The action is based on stimulation of GABA receptors, mediated through stimulation of benzodiazepine receptors. At the same time, the excitability of subcortical formations in the brain decreases, and the activity of spinal neurons decreases.

The drug is indicated for the following pathological conditions:

feelings such as anxiety, fear, emotional instability;
acute reactive psychoses;
sleep disorders.

Phenazepam tablets are prescribed in doses of up to 1 mg. For the treatment of sleep disorders, a single dose is 0.25 mg. Acute stress or reactive psychosis requires an increased dose - up to 3 mg.

Side effects include minor cognitive disorders - memory and attention problems. Dizziness and headache, dyspeptic disorders, and allergic reactions may occur. Long-term use contributes to the development of addiction syndrome.

The drug is contraindicated in the following conditions:

congenital muscle weakness;
severe pathology of the kidneys and liver;
taking other tranquilizers and antipsychotics;
period of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Nozepam - popular and inexpensive

A drug from the second subgroup of benzodiazepine tranquilizers. The active ingredient is oxazepam. It has a pronounced anxiolytic and sedative effect. There is a moderate anticonvulsant effect. The mechanism of action is similar to Phenazepam.

Indicated for the following pathological conditions:

, in particular, in women during menopause.

The dosage of the drug is selected individually and can reach 120 mg per day. Side effects include dizziness and headache, impaired attention and gait.

Disturbances in mental balance may occur - emotional instability,... Leukopenia and agranulocytosis may be detected in the blood. Dyspeptic and urinary disorders. With long-term use, addiction syndrome may also develop.

Contraindicated if:

disturbances of consciousness - shock, coma;
acute alcohol poisoning;
taking other psychotropic drugs with a depressant effect on the central nervous system;
congenital muscle weakness;
angle-closure glaucoma;
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
depressive disorders;
period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
age less than six years.

Serotonin tranquilizer

A drug from the second subgroup is a serotonin receptor agonist - or. It is able to bind to serotonin and dopamine receptors. The main effect, like that of benzodiazepine tranquilizers, is anxiolytic.

It develops more slowly, over two weeks. Buspirone does not have sedative, hypnotic and muscle relaxant effects.

In the body, the drug also binds to plasma proteins. All its metabolism occurs in the liver, and the substance is released in the form of metabolites through the kidneys.

Indicated for the treatment of various anxiety conditions. Contraindications to taking the drug include conditions such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, severe pathology of the heart, liver and kidneys.

The initial dose for treatment is 15 mg per day, divided into three doses. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 25 mg.

Unclassified drugs

The third group includes several tranquilizers that cannot be classified.

Amizil

The drug Amizil is a centrally acting anticholinergic blocker. Its main effect is sedative. It is associated with the suppression of m-cholinergic receptors located in the brain.

The medication also has an anticonvulsant effect and is capable of inhibiting the cough center in the medulla oblongata.

Hydroxyzine (Atarax)

Hydroxyzine, or , is a derivative of diphenylmethane. This is one of the oldest tranquilizers that has not lost its effectiveness to this day. The anxiolytic effect is moderate. This drug also has other effects:

soothing;
antiemetic;
antihistamine.

The drug is able to penetrate the biological barriers of the body. Metabolism occurs in the liver, the main metabolite being Cetirizine is a strong antihistamine.

Atarax is indicated for the following pathological conditions:

severe anxiety;
neurological and mental disorders accompanied by internal tension and emotional instability;
in the treatment of chronic alcoholism.

The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if you are intolerant of Hydroxyzine itself or its metabolites.
The therapeutic dose ranges from 25 to 100 mg, divided into several doses throughout the day.

What can you buy without a prescription?

Almost all tranquilizers are available in pharmacies with a prescription, but daytime anxiolytics can also be purchased without a doctor’s prescription; a list of these drugs was proposed above.

Drugs in this group are indispensable in the treatment of anxiety disorders, neuroses and sleep disorders. However, all of them, with the exception of daytime ones, are prescribed for a short course, since addiction and drug dependence quickly develop to them.

Tranquilizers)

psychotropic drugs that selectively suppress feelings of emotional stress, restlessness, anxiety, fear; are used mainly for neurotic conditions.

According to the chemical structure among A. s. There are benzodiazepine derivatives (bromazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, medazepam, nozepam, phenazepam, etc.) and A. s. from other classes of chemical compounds (buspirone, grandaxin, mebicar, trioxazine, etc.).

Anxiolytic drugs have anxiolytic (elimination of feelings of emotional stress, restlessness, anxiety, fear) properties. In addition, most A. s. They also cause sedative and hypnotic effects, have an anticonvulsant effect, reduce skeletal muscle contraction and enhance the effect of substances that depress the central nervous system: anesthetics, hypnotics, opioid analgesics, ethyl alcohol, etc.

A. s. is most widely used in medical practice. from the group of benzodiazepine derivatives. These substances increase the effectiveness of inhibitory processes in the central nervous system, the mediator of which is γ-aminobutyric acid (). This occurs as a result of activation of benzodiazepine receptors, which are part of the so-called GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex. Interaction of A. with. with benzodiazepine receptors leads to an increase in the effectiveness of endogenous GABA, which contributes to an increase in the frequency of “opening” of chloride channels in neuronal membranes and the occurrence of hyperpolarization of these membranes. The anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant effects of A. s., apparently, are associated with benzodiazepine receptors of different types, the density of which in certain structures of the central nervous system. not the same. Serotonergic, adrenergic, dopaminergic and cholinergic neurons are indirectly involved in the implementation of the anxiolytic and other effects of benzodiazepines. In addition, benzodiazepine A. s. weaken the effects of excitatory amino acids (glut min ova, aspartic) in relation to neurons of different levels of the central nervous system.

The anxiolytic effect of buspirone and its analogs is apparently due to a decrease in the activity of serotonin-containing neurons, in particular the raphe nuclei of the brain stem, which is the result of activation by these substances of serotonin receptors of subtype 1A in the inhibitory somatodendritic synapses of these neurons. These substances, unlike benzodiazepines, do not interact with the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex, have almost no anticonvulsant or hypnotic effects, do not promote muscle relaxation and do not cause drug dependence.

Diazepam and phenazepam have the greatest anxiolytic activity, sedative and hypnotic activity - phenazepam and nitrazepam, anticonvulsant activity - clonazepam and phenazepam.

When taken orally A. s. well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Biotransformation of A. s. occurs in the liver. For some A. s. (for example, diazepam, clonazepam, phenazepam) is characterized by the formation of active metabolites with pronounced pharmacological activity. Other A. s. (medazepam, lorazepam, nozepam) do not form active metabolites during biotransformation in the liver. A. s. are derived. mainly by the kidneys.

Apply A. s. in order to eliminate feelings of emotional stress, anxiety, anxiety, fear and other disorders due to neuroses, incl. for organ neuroses (cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract), for the treatment of insomnia, hypertension, gastric and duodenal ulcers, for psychological rehabilitation of patients suffering from coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, broncho-obstructive syndrome. In addition, A. s. prescribed to reduce increased skeletal muscle tone in spastic conditions associated with lesions of the brain and spinal cord, as well as to relieve alcohol withdrawal. Ability A. s. enhance the effect of anesthesia, opioid analgesics are used in anesthesiological practice. Long-term use of A. s. accompanied by a weakening of cognitive and motor processes, a shortening of the rapid phase of sleep. Possible weakening and the emergence of drug dependence.

Contraindications: benign prostate gland, acute liver and kidney diseases, respiratory disorders of central origin, myasthenia gravis; I trimester of pregnancy, period of breastfeeding. In outpatient practice, A. s. should not be prescribed. drivers of vehicles and other persons whose work requires quick psychomotor reactions.

The forms of release and use of the main drugs are outlined below.

Alprazolam(alzolam, zoldak, cassadan, xanax, lamoz, neurol, etc.) - tablets of 0.25; 0.5; 1; 2 and 3 mg. Prescribed orally for adults in an average therapeutic dose of 0.25-0.5 mg 3 times a day. Highest daily allowance 3 mg.

Benzoclidine(oxylidine) - tablets of 20 and 50 mg; 2% and 5% solutions in ampoules of 1 ml. Prescribed orally 20-50 mg 3-4 times a day. It is administered subcutaneously and intramuscularly 2 times a day. initially at a dose of 20 mg, then the single dose is increased to 50-100 mg and more; daily dose up to 200-300 mg.

Bromazepam(bromazep, lexilinum, lexotan, caltepat, norgok, etc.) - tablets 1.5; 3 and 6 mg. Prescribed for adults orally at 1.5-3 mg 2-3 times a day.

Gidazepam- tablets of 20 and 50 mg. Prescribed orally 20-50 G 3 times a day. The highest daily dose for relieving alcohol withdrawal symptoms is 500 mg.

Diazepam(apaurin, Valium, Relanium, Seduxen, Sibazon, etc.) - 2 tablets; 2.5; 5 and 10 mg; 2 and 5 each mg; (15 ml-2 mg active substance); injection solution 0.5%. Prescribed orally for adults, starting with a dose of 2.5-5 mg 1-2 times a day, then the dose is gradually increased: the average single dose is 5-10 mg. Highest daily dose 60 mg. Children are prescribed 1 appointment at the age of 1-3 years. mg, 3-7 years 2 mg, 7 years and older - 3-5 mg. The daily dose is respectively 2; 6 and 8-10 mg.

Clobazam(clarmyl, maginol, etc.) - tablets of 5 and 10 mg. Prescribed orally for adults 10-20 mg. Children under 3 years of age are not prescribed; reduced doses are recommended for children over 3 years of age and elderly patients.

Lorazepam(calmese, merlit, trapex, etc.) - tablets of 0.5, 1, 2 and 2.5 mg. Prescribed orally 1 mg 2-3 times a day.

Mebicar- tablets of 300 and 500 mg. Prescribed orally at 300-500 mg 2-3 times a day. regardless of food intake.

Medazepam(mezapam, nobrnum, rudotel, etc.) - 10 tablets mg; granules for cooking (for children), container contains 40 mg drug. For adults, the average single dose is 10-20 mg, daily - 30-40 mg, highest daily dose 60 mg. Average doses for children 1-2 years old - one time 1 mg, daily allowance 2-3 mg; 3-6 years - one-time 1-2 mg, daily allowance 3-6 mg; 7-10 years - one-time 2-8 mg, daily - 6-24 mg.

Oxazepam(nozepam, tazepam, serax, etc.) - tablets of 10, 15 and 30 mg. Prescribed orally regardless of food intake in an average single dose for adults 20-30 mg, daily dose 30-90 mg.

Temazepam(signopam) - tablets 10 mg. Prescribed orally 10 mg 3 times a day. can be increased to 20 mg appointment.

Tofisopam(grandaxin) - tablets 50 mg. Prescribed orally at 50-100 mg 1-3 times a day.

Trimetozin(trioxazine) - tablets 300 mg. Prescribed orally after meals, 300 G 2 times a day.

Phenazepam- tablets of 0.5, 1 and 25 mg. Prescribed orally for adults at 0.25-0.5 mg 2-3 times a day. Maximum daily dose 10 mg.

Chlordiazepoxide(librium, napothon, chlozepid, elenium, etc.) - tablets of 5, 1 and 25 mg. Prescribed orally for adults, starting from 5-10 mg per day Gradually increase to a daily dose of 30-50 mg in 3-4 doses.

1. Small medical encyclopedia. - M.: Medical encyclopedia. 1991-96 2. First aid. - M.: Great Russian Encyclopedia. 1994 3. Encyclopedic Dictionary of Medical Terms. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia. - 1982-1984.

See what “Anxiolytic drugs” are in other dictionaries:

- (Paracetamol + Phenylephrine + Chlorphenamine + Caffeine) Composition Paracetamol analgesic and antipyretic Phenylephrine ... Wikipedia

- (Late Latin sedativus soothing, from Latin sedo I make you sit down, I calm) a chemically heterogeneous group of medicinal substances of plant and synthetic origin that have a calming effect.… … Great Soviet Encyclopedia

I Tranquilizers (tranquilisantia, French tranquilliser from Latin tranquillare to calm; synonym: anxiolytics, antiphobic sedatives, ataractics, ataractic drugs, minor tranquilizers) see Anxiolytics. II... ... Medical encyclopedia Wikipedia

- (Metamizole sodium) Chemical compound ... Wikipedia

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Tranquilizers - one of the methods of psychotherapy. Such treatment is usually short-term and is more effective when there are specific reasons for the anxiety.

What it is?

Tranquilizers are an effective treatment for excessive stimulation of the nervous system. More often it manifests itself as fear, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

Tranquilizers are classified as psychotropic drugs. In psychotherapy today they mainly use anxiolytics– they are often called “minor tranquilizers”. These are the remedies that relieve fear and anxiety. Other substances – neuroleptics(“major tranquilizers”) have a strong effect.

Tranquilizers have several effects :

Anxiolytic. Thanks to this property, tranquilizers reduce restlessness, anxiety and fear, reduce emotional tension, can reduce hypochondria and relieve obsessive thoughts (obsessiveness).
Hypnotic. This effect manifests itself as a mild sleeping pill - sleep comes easier, becomes deeper, and sometimes longer.
Sedative. Tranquilizers calm, reduce psychomotor excitability and concentration, and reduce daytime activity.
Anticonvulsant.
Muscle relaxant. Tranquilizers relieve not only mental, but also motor stress and agitation.

Classification

According to the strength of their effect, tranquilizers are divided into 3 groups:

Sedatives . They inhibit the nervous system and improve sleep quality.
Anxiolytics . Today they are considered tranquilizers.
Neuroleptics . Used in the treatment of severe mental disorders, for example, schizophrenia.

Depending on the chemical structure, tranquilizers can be:

benzodiazepines;
diphenylmethane derivatives;
carbamates;
others (different).

A separate group is distinguished daytime drugs. They owe this name to the lack of hypnotic effects. When taking such tranquilizers, concentration does not decrease, the speed of thinking remains the same, and the muscles do not relax.

List of drugs

There are a lot of tranquilizers today, but it is worth highlighting the drugs that are used more often:

Diazepam . This benzodiazepine has been used for a long time and is also known under other names - Valium, Relanium, Sibazon, Apaurin, Seduxen. May be in tablets or injection solution.
Another representative of benzodiazepines is Gidazepam . The drug is a daytime tranquilizer.
Daytime medications include: Tofisopam . It is not addictive even with prolonged use.
– the active ingredient is fabomotizole. The drug acts gently and does not cause addiction.
. This remedy has a nootropic and anxiolytic effect. The drug does not have a hypnotic effect, but improves sleep. This tranquilizer helps improve memory, facilitate learning, better tolerate stress, and eliminates involuntary movements (for example, this). This remedy is effective for motion sickness.
. The drug is an H1-histamine blocker. The active component is hydroxyzine. Atarax has a mild anxiolytic effect. The effect occurs within half an hour after taking the tablet. Atarax is used for increased excitability, anxiety, alcoholism withdrawal syndrome, and dermatological problems accompanied by itching. Another advantage of the drug is its antiemetic effect.
. It is one of the strongest tranquilizers. The drug is inexpensive and begins to act within the first 15 minutes. The disadvantage of this product is that it is addictive.
. This is a fairly mild tranquilizer, so the effect is achieved no earlier than after a week. The drug is suitable for long-term use and can be combined with alcohol.

As a rule, drugs that do not require a doctor's prescription are classified as daytime tranquilizers.

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:

Chronic use of strong tranquilizers can lead to:

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 :

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.

Tranquilizers and antidepressants: what's the difference?

The main differences between tranquilizers and antidepressants are that they belong to different chemical groups and provide different effects.

Tranquilizers treat anxiety and fear, and antidepressants help cope with depression. Most antidepressants are not addictive.

Antidepressants are needed to regulate the production of certain hormones - serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, as well as normalize brain function.

Tranquilizers are an effective method in psychotherapy. These medications should be taken only after being prescribed by a doctor. Tranquilizers differ in their mechanism of action, so a specialist should select the appropriate drug, focusing on the individual characteristics of the patient.

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