What are the differences between a “sedative”, “tranquilizer”, “anxiolytic”, and “neuroleptic”?
They are all related. The word “sedative” is a general (older) term for anything that calms people down. “Tranquilizer” is a more specialized (older) term for a drug that reduces anxiety (“minor” tranquilizer) or reduces psychotic symptoms (“major” tranquilizer). These terms have mostly been replaced by “anxiolytics” (anxiety reducers) and “neuroleptics” (anti-schizophrenic drugs).
