During the past 25 years, tranquillisers have been widely prescribed by doctors for anxiety, insomnia and certain rare conditions of muscle abnormality or seizures.
Minor tranquillisers are currently one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in Australia.
As with any drug, the effect of tranquillisers depends on the amount taken at any one time, the manner in which it is taken, the individual s age, sex, health, bodyweight, mood, tolerance, past experience and activities, and the circumstances in which the drug is taken. In most people, however, a therapeutic dose reduces emotional reactions and mental alertness. Mild anxiety, tension and agitation are relieved with few obvious effects on thought processes or perceptions. A person normally feels relaxed, has a sense of well-being and some loss of inhibition. The most appropriate use of tranquillisers is during a short term crisis, such as the death of a close friend or relative, where anxiety or unhappiness interferes with normal sleep.