How quickly do tranquilizers typically take effect?

Tranquilizers, which are often categorized as anxiolytics or sedatives, are generally designed to produce a rapid calming effect on the nervous system. They can work within minutes to alleviate symptoms of anxiety or agitation, making the option indicating "ASAP" representative of their immediate onset of action.

In clinical practice, the speed of onset can greatly vary depending on the specific type of tranquilizer used; for example, benzodiazepines like lorazepam or diazepam can begin to exhibit effects quickly after administration, often within 15 to 30 minutes. This rapid action makes them particularly useful in acute situations where immediate sedation or anxiety relief is necessary.

While some tranquilizers might take longer to effect changes in mood and anxiety levels, particularly longer-acting medications or those taken in different formulations, the general expectation in immediate treatment scenarios is for them to work as quickly as possible to stabilize the patient's condition. This is why the notion of an immediate or very quick effect aligns well with the characteristics of tranquilizers in a clinical context.