A Complete List Of Long-Acting Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, often called “benzos,” are prescription drugs that affect the central nervous system and are used to treat a range of medical conditions. Doctors group them into three types, including short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting. Long-acting benzodiazepines work over a longer period of time, which means their effects can last for 12 to 24 hours or more, depending on the medication, dosage, and how a person’s body processes it.

This group includes several commonly prescribed medications such as clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), flurazepam, clorazepate (Tranxene), flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), medazepam, and prazepam. These medications may be used to help manage anxiety, panic disorders, seizures, muscle spasms, and certain sleep problems. Because they stay in the body longer, they can provide steady symptom relief throughout the day or night.

Learn more about the different types of benzodiazepines

What Does It Mean For A Benzodiazepine To Be Long-Acting?

Drugs are classified as long-acting if they have a long duration of action. Essentially, this means they stay in the body longer and can work in phases over the course of one or more days.

Onset Of Effects

While some long-acting drugs (e.g. Valium) can go into effect fairly quickly, some effects of long-acting drugs may take longer to set in.

Duration Of Effects

Long-acting agents have effects that can last longer than those of short-acting agents.

Drug Detection

Long-acting drugs have a longer half-life, meaning it takes longer for the body to process them. They’ll also remain detectable in the body for longer.

Dependence

Drug dependence typically develops at a slower pace with the use of long-acting drugs compared to short-acting agents.

Frequency Of Use

Because their effects last longer, long-acting drugs may not need to be taken as often to continue experiencing the desired effect.

Not all long-acting benzodiazepines work the same way. Diazepam, for instance, has a fast onset of effects, while some other long-acting benzos may take longer to go into effect.

What Are Long-Acting Benzodiazepines Used For?

Long-acting benzodiazepines can be prescribed by a doctor or administered in a clinical setting for a variety of reasons.

Long-acting benzodiazepine drugs may be used to treat:

• anxiety disorders
• panic disorder
• seizure disorders
• muscle spasms
• alcohol withdrawal

These drugs work in the body by slowing activity in the central nervous system, made up of the brain and spinal cord. They specifically target the brain chemical GABA, which can block or inhibit nerve signals in the brain associated with anxiety and the excitability of the nerves.

How Are Long-Acting Benzodiazepines Misused?

Chronic use of long-acting benzodiazepines can result in drug tolerance and physical dependence. Moreover, they can also be misused and may become addictive over time.

Long-acting benzodiazepines may be misused by:

• crushing and snorting tablets
• taking high doses
• combining them with other drugs (e.g. opioids)
• taking pills from someone else’s prescription
• using them to incapacitate another person (e.g. Rohypnol, a “date rape” drug)

Chronic benzodiazepine abuse carries a number of short-term and long-term health consequences, including an acute risk for overdose and long-lasting cognitive effects. While long-acting benzodiazepines can be safe and effective when taken as prescribed, millions of Americans still report misusing drugs like Valium and Klonopin each year.

Signs Of Long-Term Benzodiazepine Misuse

When benzodiazepines are used for a long time or not taken as prescribed, problems can build slowly. Because these medications can affect memory, mood, and coordination, misuse is not always easy to notice at first. Over time, however, the effects often become more obvious and can interfere with daily life.

Common signs of misuse may include constant drowsiness, trouble concentrating, memory problems, or needing higher doses to feel the same effect. Some people may also experience mood changes like irritability, depression, or anxiety when the medication wears off. In more serious cases, confusion, poor judgment, or withdrawal symptoms between doses can develop, which may indicate physical dependence.

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Programs

Overcoming an addiction to benzodiazepines can be extremely challenging and potentially dangerous without proper medical supervision, making professional treatment essential for safe and successful recovery. Because benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause life-threatening seizures and other serious complications, attempting to quit these medications on your own is not recommended.

Treatment options include:

• medical detoxification with supervised tapering to manage withdrawal symptoms
• inpatient rehabilitation programs with 24-hour monitoring
• outpatient treatment programs for flexible care while maintaining daily responsibilities
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address underlying mental health issues
• group therapy
• medication-assisted treatment to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings
• dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders
• family therapy to rebuild relationships
• aftercare planning

Recovery from benzodiazepine addiction is possible with the right combination of medical care, therapy, and ongoing support. If you or someone you know is battling benzodiazepine misuse, reach out to a healthcare provider or addiction treatment center to discuss safe treatment options

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff