tranquillizer

a drug that has a soothing and calming effect, relieving stress and anxiety. Minor tranquillizers such as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide are widely used to relieve these symptoms, which may arise from a variety of causes. There is a danger of dependence with long-term use. Major tranquillizers, e.g. chlorpromazine and haloperidol, are used to treat severe mental illnesses such as SCHIZOPHRENIA .