Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

Among the following, which is considered a major tranquilizer?

1. Clomipramine

2. Neuroleptics

3. Fluoxetine

4. Sertraline

The correct answer is: Neuroleptics

The designation of major tranquilizers refers specifically to a class of medications known as antipsychotics or neuroleptics. These are primarily utilized in the treatment of severe mental health disorders, particularly those that involve psychosis, such as schizophrenia and other mood disorders. Neuroleptics work by affecting neurotransmitter pathways in the brain, particularly those involving dopamine, and help to reduce symptoms by calming or sedating the individual. In contrast, the other options listed—Clomipramine, Fluoxetine, and Sertraline—are classified as antidepressants. Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant, while both Fluoxetine and Sertraline are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are primarily aimed at treating depression and anxiety disorders rather than psychotic symptoms. Understanding the classification and purpose of these medications is crucial in the context of substance abuse counseling and mental health treatment, as it helps practitioners recognize appropriate interventions and the pharmacological management of clients with co-occurring disorders.