Anxiolytics

Synonyms

Antianxiety medication

Definition

Anxiolytic is a broad term meant to describe medications that are used to reduce anxiety. Most commonly, these include benzodiazepines and SSRIs.

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications containing several drugs used in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. The benzodiazepines represent a major advance in psychopharmacology with their introduction in the 1950s. These medications have been commonly used, but are habit-forming. The benzodiazepines have not been well studied in children or adults with autism. The short-acting benzodiazepines (lorazepam and alprazolam) are sometimes used to decrease anxiety prior to medical or dental procedures in children with ASDs. The right dose given at the right time prior to the procedure can be helpful. However, adverse effects of the benzodiazepines may include disinhibition (increased impulsiveness) and poor coordination. The disinhibition can be extreme. Rather than exerting a calming...