There are a wide range of benzodiazepines. While they all have chemical similarities, they are generally grouped according to their duration of action.
Types of benzodiazepines include:
- short-acting benzodiazepines
- intermediate-acting benzodiazepines
- long-acting benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a class of prescription drugs that may be used for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal.
Short-Acting Benzodiazepines
Drugs that are short-acting typically have a short onset of effects, meaning they begin to take effect fairly quickly and don’t stay in the body very long.
Short-acting benzodiazepines include:
- midazolam (Versed)
- triazolam (Halcion)
Read more about short-acting benzodiazepines
Intermediate-Acting Benzodiazepines
Intermediate-acting benzodiazepines also begin to take effect fairly quickly after use. This can make them helpful for relieving panic attacks, seizures, and sleeplessness.
Intermediate-acting benzodiazepines include:
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
- clonazepam (Klonopin)
- clobazam
- nitrazepam
- oxazepam
- temazepam (Restoril)
- flunitrazepam (Rohypnol)
Long-Acting Benzodiazepines
Long-acting drugs are slowly absorbed in the body. This means it takes a little longer for effects to occur, but when they do, they generally last longer.
Long-acting benzodiazepines include:
- diazepam (Valium)
- chlordiazepoxide (Lithium)
- clorazepate (Tranxene)
- flurazepam (Dalmane)
Read more about long-acting benzodiazepines
FAQs About Benzodiazepines
Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about different types of benzodiazepine drugs.
What Are The Differences Between Short-Acting And Long-Acting Benzodiazepines?
All benzodiazepines act on the brain in similar ways and produce similar effects. But they can also differ in some distinct ways, depending on whether they’re short- or long-acting.
Primary differences between benzodiazepines include:
- onset of effects
- duration of effects
- strength of effects
- formulation (e.g. tablet, liquid)
- how long they stay in the system
- addictive potential
- severity of withdrawal symptoms
- common uses
Do All Types Of Benzodiazepines Work The Same?
Despite their differences, benzodiazepine drugs are all classified as central nervous system depressants, which means they depress activity in the nervous system.
Other similarities include:
- effects on the brain
- physical side effects
- risk of dependence
- uses for medical and mental health conditions
What Are The Most Commonly Prescribed Benzodiazepines?
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the top five prescribed benzodiazepine drugs in the United States are, in no particular order:
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- clonazepam (Klonopin)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
- temazepam (Restoril)
- diazepam (Valium)
Find More Information About Benzodiazepine Abuse And Addiction
Knowing the different types of benzodiazepines is one way to better understand and identify drug abuse in yourself or a loved one.
If someone you know is misusing benzodiazepines, call our helpline today for more information about benzodiazepine abuse, addiction, and treatment options.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior — Benzodiazepine Addiction
https://www.semel.ucla.edu/dual-diagnosis-program/Conditions_Treated/Benzodiazepine_Addictions - U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) — BENZODIAZEPINES (Street Names: Benzos, Downers, Nerve Pills, Tranks)
https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/benzo.pdf - U.S. National Library of Medicine: NCBI Bookshelf — Benzodiazepines in Older Adults: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Guidelines
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK174563/table/T1/
