Below is a list of benzodiazepine examples. These are a class of meds that are sometimes called benzos, and they are typically prescribed for anxiety types of conditions. Since anxiety is nearly ubiquitous, it’s easy to see why these drugs, which are both meant for good and used for good in many cases, are available for abuse.
What Is Covered in This List of Benzodiazepine Examples?
We are going to cover five specific things with each medication: intended use, how it is typically abused, a common misunderstanding, and how addictive they are. However, please remember, with addiction, it is all relative to each person—their biology as well as their personal history.
First, What are Benzodiazepines?
Benzos are a class of psychoactive drugs. They are used and prescribed because they have a calming effect. Think anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, sedative, hypnotic. They can help with anxiety, insomnia, seizures, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal.
And these are all great things. Important things. The problem is that they are addictive. There are significant risks as well as long-term health issues that come from taking benzos in an abusive manner.
Common Benzos
1. Diazepam (Valium)
- Use: Anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and seizures. It’s also used to manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
- Misuse: Calming and euphoria (high)
- Common Question: “Can I take diazepam every day for anxiety?”
- Answer: It’s generally not recommended. Because it is so addictive, it’s vital to stick to the doctor’s prescription.
- Addictive Potential: Highly addictive
2. Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Use: It’s known for its quick onset of action, it can help with anxiety and panic disorders and to calm panic attacks.
- Misuse: People like it for its quick release, calming effects, euphoria, and potent high.
- Common Question: “Is it safe to stop taking Xanax abruptly?”
- Answer: No, you can have serious withdrawals if you quit “cold turkey.” Make sure your doctor is involved in a discussion of stopping or reach out to a qualified prescription drug detox center.
- Addictive Potential: Highly addictive
3. Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Use: Lorazepam is used for anxiety disorders, insomnia, and as a pre-anesthetic. It can also help treating severe seizures.
- Misuse: People use it mostly for its potent sedative effects.
- Common Question: “How long does lorazepam stay in your system?”
- Answer: Lorazepam has a half-life of about 12 hours. However it can stay in your system and be detected for up to a week.
- Addictive Potential: Moderately addictive
4. Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Use: Mostly seizures and panic attacks, but it can be used for other anxiety disorders.
- Misuse: calming effects, euphoria, and long-lasting high.
- Common Question: “Can I drive while taking clonazepam?”
- Answer: Don’t do it. Like all of the drugs on this list, clonazepam will impair your motor skills and reaction time.
- Addictive Potential: Moderately addictive
5. Temazepam (Restoril)
- Use: Short-term treatment of insomnia.
- Misuse: sedative effects, euphoria, and prolonged sleep.
- Common Question: “Can temazepam be used long-term for insomnia?”
- Answer: It’s typically not suggested. It is a short-term option.
- Addictive Potential: Moderately addictive
6. Oxazepam (Serax)
- Use: Oxazepam is used for anxiety and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It’s known for its slower onset of action.
- Misuse: Due to its lower potency, oxazepam is less commonly misused compared to other benzodiazepines, but the risk still exists.
- Common Question: “Is oxazepam safer than other benzodiazepines?”
- Answer: Oxazepam may have a lower potential for abuse, but it can still lead to dependence if over-used.
- Addictive Potential: Slightly addictive
7. Clorazepate (Tranxene)
- Use: Clorazepate is prescribed for anxiety disorders, acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures.
- Misuse: Calming effects.
- Common Question: “How does clorazepate compare to other benzodiazepines in terms of effectiveness?”
- Answer: Clorazepate is effective for its prescribed uses, but just like the others, it can be addictive.
- Addictive Potential: Moderately addictive
8. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Use: Chlordiazepoxide is often used for anxiety disorders and alcohol withdrawal. It’s one of the oldest benzos.
- Misuse: Used for calming effects, euphoria, and relief from anxiety.
- Common Question: “Can chlordiazepoxide be used long-term?”
- Answer: Long-term use of chlordiazepoxide is generally not recommended due to the risk of dependence. It’s best to use it as prescribed and discuss long-term treatment options with your doctor.
- Addictive Potential: Highly addictive
9. Triazolam (Halcion)
- Use: Triazolam is primarily prescribed for short-term treatment of severe insomnia.
- Misuse: Misuse involves taking higher doses or using it more frequently than prescribed, seeking prolonged sedative effects, which can lead to dependency.
- Common Question: “How long can I take triazolam safely?”
- Answer: Triazolam is typically prescribed for short-term use (usually 7-10 days). Long-term use increases the risk of dependence and should be avoided.
- Addictive Potential: Highly addictive
Benzodiazepine Examples and Taking Action
This list of Benzodiazepine examples reveals that the good that comes with many prescription medications can be overshadowed. This means they should be supervised. And not every person who has the power to prescribe is the same. Stay within your doctor’s limits, but take some responsibility yourself.
You know your limits. You know how susceptible you are more than your doctor. These medications are powerful, and an addiction to them can be just as destructive as one to heroin. This is why a qualified prescription drug rehab might be the next call you make.
Get Help with Benzo Dependence
If you or a loved one is struggling with benzo dependence, seeking professional help is vital.
If you find yourself or someone you care about struggling with benzodiazepine misuse, call EagleCrest today. We offer specialized programs for benzo addiction.
Remember, recovery is possible with the right support and dedication. Call now: 844-439-7627.
