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Benzodiazepine
From MEpedia, a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of ME and CFS science and history
Benzodiazepines or benzos are a class of perscription-only drugs that slow down the body and brain's functions. Benzodiazepines gamma increase the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA),causing relaxation and sleepiness, and affecting reasoning, memory, emotions and basic bodily functions like breathing.[1][2]
Uses
Benzodiazepines are psychiatric drugs with many different users including:
- anxiety
- panic attacks and panic disorders,
- insomnia and difficulty staying asleep
- Alcohol withdrawal
- To control seizures
- As a muscle relaxant, e.g. for painful muscle spasms
- To cause amnesia for uncomfortable medical procedures
- Benzodiazepines are often given before anesthetics[1][2]
List of benzodiazepines
| Generic name | Brand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alprazolam | | | |
| Alprazolam | | | |
| Alprazolam | | | |
| Chlordiazepoxide | | | |
| Clonazepam | | | |
| Clorazepate | | | |
| Diazepam | | | |
| Diazepam | | | |
| Estazolam | | | |
| Flurazepam | | | |
| Lorazepam | | | |
| Lorazepam | Loreev XR | |
| Midazolam | | | |
| Midazolam | | | |
| Oxazepam | | | |
| Quazepam | | | |
| Remimazolam | | | |
| Temazepam | | | |
| Triazolam | |[3] |
Differences
- Ultra-short acting - Midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion)
- Short-acting - alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan)
- Long-acting - chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin)[2][2]
Theory
Evidence
Clinicians
Risks and safety
Benzodiazepines carry a significant risk of addiction, including in patients without a history of substance use disorders.[2]
Costs and availability
Available on perscription only
See also
Learn more
- Benzodiazepine Abuse Basics - WebMD
- What are benzodiazepines? - Mind
- List of Common Benzodiazepines + Uses & Side Effects - drugs.com
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Benzodiazepine Abuse". WebMD. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "What are benzodiazepines?". Mind. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
- ↑ "List of Common Benzodiazepines + Uses & Side Effects". drugs.com. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
