Anxiolytics/Tranquillisers are also known as Anxiolytics as their purpose is to reduce anxiety.  Hypnotics are similar but used to induce sleep as a short-term treatment for insomnia.

Benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed for SHORT periods only due to the risk of tolerance and dependency. As the body adjusts to their effects, they become less effective over time thus requiring larger doses. Anxiolytic drugs include - diazepam (Valium*, Tensium*, Rimapam*, Dialar* and other brand names* - generic only is prescribable on NHS in UK), alprazolam (Xanax*), chlordiazepoxide, lorazepam, oxazepam and bromazepam (Lexotan*).

  Hypnotics are prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia and include: nitrazepam, flunitrazepam (Rohypnol*), flurazepam*, loprazolam, lormetazepam and temazepam.  Non-benzodiazepines include zolpidem tartrate (Stilnoct) and zopiclone (Zimovane)  Each of these can cause nausea and vomiting as side-effects.

* - indicates drug/brand name is not prescribable on NHS in UK

Buspirone (Buspar) is a newer anxiolytic with similar properties. Occasionally, BETA-BLOCKERS such as propranolol or oxprenolol might be prescribed to reduce the physical symptoms (but not the psychological symptoms) of anxiety and panic such as palpitations, sweating and tremor.