Tranquilizer is a drug that depresses the central nervous system causing relaxation, reduction of anxiety, drowsiness, and slowed breathing. For the treatment of back pain, tranquilizers are prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia resulting from severe episodes of pain. A common tranquilizer Valium (diazepam) is prescribed to relieve low back pain associated with muscle spasm on a short-term basis. The use of tranquilizers in pain management should be considered with caution since most tranquilizers are potentially addictive and have other serious side effects, including depression, hallucinations, and amnesia. Tranquilizer medications can also be used to relax patient prior to medical procedures such as injections or MRI scans.
