Question

Differentiate between Tranquillisers and sedatives.

Answer 1

Aspect	Tranquillisers	Sedatives
Primary Effect	Bring about mental tranquillity by relieving anxiety and tension without affecting consciousness	Produce a calming effect, leading to physical and mental comfort accompanied by reduction or suspension of mental activity
Effect on Consciousness	Do not affect consciousness	Can lead to complete suppression of consciousness
Uses	Used to relieve anxiety, tension; used in psychological or psychosomatic disorders	Used to calm, relax, and sometimes to induce sleep
Examples	Benzodiazepine derivatives (e.g., diazepam, oxazepam, lorazepam, chlordiazepoxide, alprazolam)	Drugs such as cocaine and opium
Mode of Action	Relieve anxiety and tension, remove or reduce abnormal feelings/expressions without inducing sleep	Bring about a state of calming by reducing mental activity, possibly leading to sleep or unconsciousness