Question

Which of the following is used as a tranquilizer?
A.Seconal
B.Luminal
C.Barbituric acid derivatives
D.All of these

Answer 1

Hint: The drug which acts on the central nervous system (CNS) and the help in reducing stress and fatigue by inducing a sense of 'wellbeing' are called tranquilizers. They are also called psychotherapeutic drugs. The tranquilizers which are most commonly used are barbituric acid and its 5, 5-disubstituted derivatives such as veronal, luminal and Seconal.

Complete step by step answer:
A drug which is designed for the treatment of anxiety, fear, tension, and disturbances of the mind, agitation, specifically to reduce states of tension and anxiety is called a tranquilizer. Some examples of common tranquilizers are iproniazid and phenelzine. Some tranquilisers are comparatively soft and mild in nature and are also suitable for relieving tension. Some substances which are used as tranquilizers are Valium and serotonin. The principal minor tranquilizers are the benzodiazepines, among which are diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and alprazolam (Xanax). These drugs have a calming effect and eliminate both the physical and psychological effects of anxiety or fear. Synthetic tranquillisers are usually barbituric acid derivatives for example: veronal, luminal, Seconal, amytal and Nembutal. Other tranquillisers which are not barbituric acid derivatives are chlordiazepoxide, equal meprobamate, Valium (diazepam), etc. Barbiturates are alternatively used derivatives of barbituric acid. Barbiturates have been well approved hypnotic and sedative of the last century up to the 1960s, but are not used now to promote sleep or to calm patients. However, they are described first because they are the prototype of CNS depressant.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Tranquilizers or Sedatives work by modifying certain nerve communications in our central nervous system (CNS) to our brain. In this case, they relax our body by slowing down brain activity. Sedatives make the neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) work accurately over time.