Tranquilizers are medicines that temporarily calm you down. During short-term, stressful situations, tranquilizers may be helpful. If your doctor suggests a tranquilizer, ask about possible side effects such as drowsiness and poor muscle coordination. You will probably be advised to avoid or limit your alcohol intake, and avoid driving or operating machinery. All medicine should be treated with respect. Never take a dosage more than your doctor prescribes. Don't take someone else's medication, or let anyone take yours. Always throw away any medicine past its expiration date. Tranquilizers can reduce fears and sleeplessness during stressful times. But they do not treat the cause of someone's problems. Unless you work on the problems causing your stress, you will probably find that when you stop taking tranquilizers, any unpleasant feelings or symptoms return.