Final answer:
The synonym for antianxiety is anxiolytic, which describes drugs that alleviate anxiety. Benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, and clonidine are examples of anxiolytic drugs. Depressants are also used to calm the brain and reduce anxious feelings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term antianxiety refers to substances or medications that help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, which can include panic attacks, extreme fear, and worry. Anxiolytic is the main synonym for antianxiety, which describes drugs that are used to alleviate anxiety. Examples of anxiolytic drugs include benzodiazepines like Alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin), and Diazepam (Valium), as well as beta-blockers and sympatholytic drugs like clonidine.
Benzodiazepines work by affecting the central nervous system, producing effects such as sedation, hypnosis, decreased anxiety, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant activity. They serve multiple therapeutic roles, including as sedatives, hypnotics, antianxiety agents, anticonvulsants, and in treating alcoholism-related issues. Beta-blockers and clonidine, as sympatholytic drugs, help manage anxiety by controlling physical symptoms such as trembling and rapid heartbeat.
Depressants are another class of psychoactive drugs that have a calming effect on the brain, leading to reduced anxiety and promoting sleepiness. Medications like Xanax and other benzodiazepines as well as certain types of cannabis can be classified as depressants due to their tranquilizing and anxiolytic effects.