An anxiolytic is a medication, or other intervention, that reduces anxiety. This effect is in contrast to anxiogenic agents, which increase anxiety. Together these categories of psychoactive compounds or interventions may be referred to as anxiotropic compounds or agents.
Epidemiological studies tend to support an anxiolytic effect from the consumption of either CBD or THC, as well as whole plant cannabis. Conversely, the available human clinical studies demonstrate a common anxiogenic response to THC, especially at higher doses.
An anxiolytic (/ˌæŋksiəˈlɪtɪk, ˌæŋksioʊ-/; also antipanic or anti-anxiety agent) is a medication or other intervention that reduces anxiety. This effect is in contrast to anxiogenic agents which increase anxiety. Anxiolytic medications are used for the treatment of anxiety disorders and their related psychological and physical symptoms.
| Anxiolytic | |
|---|---|
| Drug class | |
| Class identifiers | |
| Synonyms | Sedative, minor tranquilizer |
| Use | Anxiety disorders |
| Clinical data | |
| Drugs.com | Drug Classes |
| Legal status | |
| In Wikidata | |
English
Etymology
From anxio- + -lytic.
Pronunciation
- (US) IPA(key): /ˌeɪŋziəˈlɪtɪk/
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˌæŋksiəˈlɪtɪk/
Adjective
anxiolytic (comparative more anxiolytic, superlative most anxiolytic)
- (pharmacology) That reduces anxiety; tranquilizing
Antonyms
- (antonym(s) of “reducing anxiety”)





