Term: anxiolytic agent

Pronunciation: (ANG-zee-oh-LIH-tik AY-jent)

Description:

A drug used to treat symptoms of anxiety, such as feelings of fear, dread, uneasiness, and muscle tightness, that may occur as a reaction to stress. Most anxiolytic agents block the action of certain chemicals in the nervous system. Also called antianxiety agent and anxiolytic.