Which drug is commonly used as a tranquilizer?

Diazepam is a commonly used tranquilizer, known for its effectiveness in producing a calming effect on the central nervous system. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications, which are frequently prescribed for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. The tranquilizing effect makes it useful in various medical situations, including anxiety management and preoperative sedation.

Furthermore, diazepam works by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, leading to decreased neuronal excitability and promoting relaxation. This mechanism underlies its classification as a tranquilizer.

The other drugs listed do not primarily serve as tranquilizers. Oxycodone is an opioid pain medication, fluoxetine is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, and temazepam, although it can have some tranquilizing properties, is more specifically acknowledged as a hypnotic used to treat insomnia, rather than a tranquilizer in the conventional sense. This distinction highlights diazepam’s established role as a tranquilizer in medical practice.