Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of central nervous system depressants used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorder, insomnia, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. They are among the most prescribed psychoactive medications in the world.
Mechanism of Action
Benzodiazepines work by increasing the activity of a natural calming chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. GABA helps to slow down brain activity, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation. By boosting GABA's effects, these medications help to calm the nervous system. This action leads to their effects in reducing anxiety, stopping seizures, and helping with sleep.
Clinical Uses
This class of medications is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. They are also effective for short-term relief of insomnia, helping people fall asleep and stay asleep. Doctors may also prescribe benzodiazepines to control seizures, relax muscles, or help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. They are often used for short periods due to concerns about dependence.
Side Effects & Safety
Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and feeling unsteady, especially when first starting the medication. More serious side effects can include memory problems, slowed breathing, and an increased risk of falls, particularly in older adults. A black box warning exists for benzodiazepines due to the risk of serious side effects, including slowed or stopped breathing and death, when taken with opioid medications, and the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepines Medications (17)
Alprazolam
Brand: Alprazolam
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It works by affecting certain natural chemicals in the brain to produce a calming effect. This helps reduce feelings of anxiety and panic.
$10–$40/month/month
Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride
Brand: Chlordiazepoxide Hydrochloride
Chlordiazepoxide Hydrochloride is a benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety disorders and provide short-term relief for symptoms of anxiety. It can also help manage withdrawal symptoms from acute alcoholism and reduce anxiety before surgery. This medication works by calming the brain and nerves.
$10-$40/month/month
Clobazam
Brand: Clobazam
Clobazam is a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine. It is used alongside other treatments to help control seizures in people aged 2 years and older who have a severe form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Clobazam works by calming overactive brain signals that can cause seizures.
$500–$1,500/month/month
Clonazepam
Brand: Clonazepam
Clonazepam is a medication used to treat certain types of seizure disorders, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and absence seizures. It also helps manage panic disorder, which involves unexpected panic attacks. This medication works by calming overactivity in the brain to reduce seizures and anxiety.
$4–$25/month/month
Clorazepate dipotassium
Brand: Clorazepate Dipotassium
Clorazepate dipotassium is a benzodiazepine medication used to help manage anxiety disorders and provide short-term relief from anxiety symptoms. It can also be prescribed as an additional treatment for certain types of seizures called partial seizures. This medication works by calming the brain and nervous system.
$20–$70/month/month
Diazepam
Brand: Diazepam
Diazepam is a medication in the benzodiazepine class that works by calming the brain and nerves. It is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, relieve symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal, and help relax muscles to ease spasms.
$10–$50/month/month
Diazepam intensol
Brand: Diazepam Intensol
DIAZEPAM INTENSOL (brand name: Diazepam Intensol) is a Benzodiazepines. INDICATIONS Diazepam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic. In acute alcohol withdrawal, diazepam may be…
$50-$150/month/month
Diazepam oral
Brand: Diazepam
DIAZEPAM ORAL (brand name: Diazepam) is a Benzodiazepines. INDICATIONS Diazepam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic. In acute alcohol withdrawal, diazepam may be…
$10-$50/month/month
Estazolam
Brand: Estazolam
Estazolam (brand name: Estazolam) is a medication in the benzodiazepine class. It is prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia, helping people who have trouble falling asleep, wake up often during the night, or wake up too early in the morning. This medicine works by calming the brain to help you sleep better.
$100–$300/month/month
Flurazepam hydrochloride
Brand: Flurazepam Hydrochloride
Flurazepam Hydrochloride is a medication used to treat insomnia, helping people who have trouble falling asleep, wake up often during the night, or wake up too early in the morning. It works by affecting certain brain chemicals to promote sleep and is typically prescribed for short-term use.
$200–$500/month/month
Lorazepam
Brand: Lorazepam
Lorazepam is a prescription medication used to help manage anxiety disorders and provide short-term relief from anxiety symptoms. It works by calming the brain and nerves, which can help reduce feelings of worry and tension.
$10–$50/month/month
Midazolam
Brand: Midazolam
Midazolam is a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine that helps calm the body and mind. It is primarily used to make you feel relaxed and drowsy before medical procedures, surgeries, or to help you fall asleep for general anesthesia. It works by slowing down brain activity to reduce anxiety and create a state of peacefulness or forgetfulness.
$500–$1,500/month/month
Midazolam hydrochloride
Brand: Midazolam Hydrochloride
Midazolam Hydrochloride is a medication in the benzodiazepine class that helps calm and relax patients. It is primarily used to cause drowsiness, reduce anxiety, and create a short-term memory loss (amnesia) before medical procedures, or to help induce general anesthesia. It works by slowing down brain activity to produce these calming effects.
$200–$800/month/month
Midazolam in sodium chloride
Brand: Midazolam in Sodium Chloride
Midazolam in Sodium Chloride is a benzodiazepine medication used to provide continuous sedation for patients who are intubated and on a ventilator, especially in critical care settings. It works by calming the brain and nervous system, helping patients remain comfortable and relaxed during their treatment.
$50–$300/month/month
Oxazepam
Brand: Oxazepam
OXAZEPAM (brand name: Oxazepam) is a Benzodiazepines. used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal.
$15–$50/month/month
Temazepam
Brand: temazepam
TEMAZEPAM (brand name: temazepam) is a Benzodiazepines. INDICATIONS & USAGE Temazepam Capsules, USP are indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia (generally 7 to 10 days). For patients with short-term insomnia, instructions in the prescription should indicate that Temazepam Capsules should be used for short periods of time (7 to 10 days). The…
$20–$70/month/month
Triazolam
Brand: Triazolam
Triazolam is a benzodiazepine medication prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. It works by enhancing the activity of a natural calming chemical in your brain, which helps you fall asleep. This medication is typically used for brief periods, usually 7 to 10 days.
$200–$500/month/month
Compare Benzodiazepines Prices
See typical monthly costs, generic availability, and savings options for all 17 Benzodiazepines medications side-by-side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.