anxiolytic drug

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anxiolytic drug

A doctor prescribes an anxiolytic drug to a patient.

Definition

Noun: A medication belonging to a class of drugs primarily used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as excessive worry, nervousness, and tension. These drugs work by depressing the central nervous system to produce a calming or sedative effect.

Usage and Examples

An anxiolytic drug is prescribed by a doctor to manage anxiety disorders. * The doctor prescribed an anxiolytic drug to help manage her generalized anxiety disorder. * Common anxiolytic drugs include benzodiazepines like diazepam. * He was advised to take the anxiolytic drug only as needed for acute anxiety episodes.

Advanced Usage
  • Clinical Context: In medical and psychiatric contexts, the term is used precisely to distinguish these medications from other types of psychoactive drugs, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics.
    • The treatment plan combined cognitive behavioral therapy with a low-dose anxiolytic drug.
  • Pharmacological Discussion: The term is used when discussing mechanisms of action, such as GABA receptor modulation.
    • The anxiolytic drug exerts its effect by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA.
Variants and Related Words
  • Anxiolytic (noun/adjective): Often used interchangeably with "anxiolytic drug" as a noun. As an adjective, it describes the anxiety-reducing property.
    • Benzodiazepines have potent anxiolytic effects.
  • Anti-anxiety drug/medication: A more common, layperson's synonym.
  • Minor tranquilizer: An older, less precise term sometimes used synonymously, though it can be considered outdated.
Synonyms
  • Anti-anxiety agent
  • Anxiolytic
  • Sedative-hypnotic (in a broader sense, as many anxiolytics also have sedative properties)
Antonyms
  • Anxiogenic (adjective): A substance that induces or increases anxiety.
  • Stimulant (noun): A type of drug that increases alertness and arousal, such as caffeine or amphetamines.
Related Phrases and Concepts
  • Anxiolytic therapy: A treatment approach centered on using these medications.
  • Anxiolytic effect: The therapeutic outcome of reduced anxiety.
    • The patient reported a significant anxiolytic effect within an hour of taking the medication.
anxiolytic drug

A doctor prescribes an anxiolytic drug to a patient.

Noun
  1. a tranquilizer used to relieve anxiety and reduce tension and irritability

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