Tablet or capsule form. Usually taken by mouth, rarely injected. Most widely used are Benzodiazepines. These drugs have come to replace barbiturates for most medical purposes because they are much safer.
SHORT-TERM USE: Reduce {anxiety}, generally without marked drowsiness & clumsiness associated with barbiturates. However, prolonged use may cause {anxiety}, instead of curing or reducing it. They impair driving & similar skills. Effects usually last 3-6hrs.
Many more tranquilizers than barbiturates have to be taken for fatal overdose. Effect is reached at lower dosage level if alcohol has also been taken. On their own, tranquilizers rarely produce {euphoria} associated with barbiturates or alcohol. This probably accounts for their lack of widespread popularity as recreational drugs.
LONG-TERM USE: Psychological dependence quite common among long-term users; physical dependence & tolerance may develop. Withdrawal effects may occur even with therapeutic dosage. Effects, though not potentially fatal as with barbiturates, can be very unpleasant & protracted. They include {anxiety}, {nausea}, {insomnia} &, after unusually high doses, {convulsions} & mental confusion.
