What are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are medications that are frequently prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. They produce their effects via specific receptors involving a neurochemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Because they are safer and more effective, Benzodiazepines have replaced barbiturates in the treatment of both anxiety and insomnia. Benzodiazepines are also used as sedatives before some surgical and medical procedures, and for the
treatment of seizure disorders and alcohol withdrawal. Risk of physical dependence increases if Benzodiazepines are taken regularly (e.g. daily ) for more than a few months, especially at higher then normal doses. Stopping abruptly can bring
on such symptoms as trouble sleeping, gastrointestinal upset, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, sweating, trembling, weakness, anxiety and changes in perception. Only trace amounts (less than 1%) of most Benzodiazepines are excreted unaltered
in the urine; most of the concentration in urine is conjugated drug. The detection period for the Benzodiazepines in the urine is 3-7 days.
- Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that are commonly known as tranquilizers, sedatives, or anxiolytics.
- Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABAA receptor, resulting in sedative, hypnotic (sleep-inducing), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.
- High doses of many shorter-acting benzodiazepines may also cause anterograde amnesia and dissociation.
- These properties make benzodiazepines useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, agitation, seizures, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal and as a premedication for medical or dental procedures
Types of Benzodiazepines:
- Alprazolam
- Xanax
- Clonazepam
- Klonopin
- Rivotril
- Valpax
- Nordiazepam
- Valium
- Diazepam
- Valrelease
- Oxazepam
- Serax
- Temazepan
- Restoril
- Lorazepam
- Temesta
- Ativan
- Flurazepam
- Dalmane
- Flunitrazepam
- Narcozep
- Rohipnol
- Roipnol
Street Names:
- Benzos
Availability: Prescription needed
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor
Alcohol: Avoid. Very serious interactions can occur
Drug class: Pain reliever
- Blue V
- Candy
- Downers
- Sleeping Pills
- Tranks
- Rohypnol
- Candy
- Downers
- Sleeping Pills
- Tranks
- Rohypnol
- Roofies
- Roofinol
- Rope
- Rophies
Detection Periods:
Urine = 1-6 Weeks
​Blood = 6-48 Hours
Saliva = 1-10 Days
Hair = Up to 90 Days
What It's Prescribed For:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Seizure control
- Muscle relaxation
- Inducing amnesia for uncomfortable procedures
- Given before an anesthetic (such as before surgery)
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Seizure control
- Muscle relaxation
- Inducing amnesia for uncomfortable procedures
- Given before an anesthetic (such as before surgery)
Possible Side Effects:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Weakness
- Slurred speech
- Lack of coordination
- Difficulty breathing
- Coma
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Weakness
- Slurred speech
- Lack of coordination
- Difficulty breathing
- Coma
Brands: Duragesic, Subsys, Abstral, and Ionsys
Availability: Prescription needed
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor
Alcohol: Avoid. Very serious interactions can occur
Drug class: Pain reliever