Which category of drugs is used primarily to relax or calm individuals?

Sedatives are drugs specifically designed to induce relaxation and calmness in individuals. They achieve this by slowing down brain activity, leading to a tranquil state. This category includes medications like benzodiazepines and barbiturates, which are often prescribed for anxiety, stress, or sleep disorders. Their primary effect is to reduce agitation, promote sleep, and help individuals feel more at ease.

In contrast, stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy, which is the opposite of what is intended with sedatives. Analgesics are primarily used for pain relief and do not specifically target relaxation or calming effects. Antidepressants are aimed at addressing mood disorders but do not have the primary function of sedating or relaxing; rather, they work to regulate mood and emotional state. Hence, sedatives are the category of drugs that best fit the description of being used primarily to relax or calm individuals.