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The benzodiazepines (pronounced <span class="IPA">[ˌbenzəʊdaɪˈæzəpiːnz]</span>, or "benzos" for short) are a class of psychoactive drugs considered as minor tranquilizers with varying hypnotic, sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and amnesic properties, which are brought on by slowing down the central nervous system. This makes benzodiazepines useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, agitation, seizures, and muscle spasms, as well as alcohol withdrawal. They can also be used before certain medical procedures such as endoscopies, dental work, or other medical procedures where tension and anxiety are present, and prior to some unpleasant medical procedures in order to induce amnesia for the procedure. Another use is to counteract anxiety-related symptoms upon initial use of SSRIs and other antidepressants, or as an adjunctive treatment. Recreational stimulant users often use benzodiazepines as a means of "coming down" (see: Drug abuse).