The antidepressant does not cause physical dependence, but it takes about three weeks to act. As a sedative, the immediate effect is achieved with benzodiazepines and that is why they are the most prescribed anxiolytics. Benzodiazepines are psychotropic sedatives, hypnotics (for sleeping), amnesiacs, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants. They are used in conditions such as anxiety, distress and/or insomnia and they form different compounds: triazolam, alprazolam –which bears the brand Trankimazin, one of the best sold and most addictive–, oxazolam, diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Orfidal), etc. They cover the symptoms but do not cure the disease.

Experts say that benzodiazepine is a controlled drug that contains an antidote, and that barbiturates previously prescribed by doctors, which could be dangerous – the famous Optalidon used barbiturates for example – are no longer prescribed today.