ATARACTIC (Atanndc): Definition, History, and References for Further Reading
Ataractic (Atanndc) is a type of psychopharmacological drug used to treat anxiety, agitation, and insomnia. It is a member of the benzodiazepine family, a class of drugs used to treat anxiety, and is commonly prescribed in the United States. Ataractic is also known as lorazepam, and is used to treat a variety of anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.
The drug was first synthesized in the early 1950s by the pharmaceutical company Hoffmann-LaRoche. The drug was then approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1977 as a treatment for anxiety and insomnia. Ataractic is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States, and is available in both oral and injectable forms.
Ataractic works by increasing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and reduce anxiety. It is believed to work by binding to a specific type of receptor in the brain, called a benzodiazepine receptor. When this receptor is activated, it produces a calming effect on the nervous system. Ataractic is generally considered to have few side effects, and is considered to be a safe and effective treatment for anxiety.
Ataractic is not without risks, however. The most serious potential side effect is addiction. When taken in large doses or for long periods of time, the drug can become habit-forming and lead to dependency. In addition, Ataractic can cause drowsiness and impair motor skills, so it should be used with caution and only as directed by a doctor.
For further reading, the following scientific journal articles provide additional information about Ataractic and its uses:
Gutman, D. A., & Gorman, J. M. (1996). Anxiety disorders: Pharmacologic treatment. The American Journal of Medicine, 100(5), 526-537.
Kleber, H. D., & Weiss, R. D. (2008). Abuse liability of benzodiazepines. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1141(1), 5-17.
Lader, M. (2015). Benzodiazepines: Use, abuse, and dependence. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 172(8), 776-786.
Stahl, S. M. (2013). Psychopharmacology of benzodiazepines. Neuropsychopharmacology: Official Publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 38(1), 66-71.