Classification: Downer/Sedative/Anxiolytic
The first benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide (Librium), was discovered accidentally by Leo Sternbach in 1955, and made available in 1960 by Hoffmann–La Roche, which has also marketed diazepam (Valium) since 1963.
Source: Shorter E (2005). "Benzodiazepines". A Historical Dictionary of Psychiatry. Oxford University Press. pp. 41–2. ISBN 0-19-517668-5.
| Chemical name (brand name) | Half-Life [Active Metabolites] | Dose Equiv. of 10mg Diazepam (Oral) | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alprazolam (Xanax) | 6 - 12 hours | 0.5 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Bromazepam (Lexotan, Lexomil) | 10 - 20 hours | 5 - 6 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Chlordazepoxide (Librium) | 5 - 30 hours [36 - 200 hours] | 25 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Clobazam (Frisium) | 12 - 60 hours | 20 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Clonazepam (Klonopin) | 18 - 50 hours | 0.5 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Clorazepate (Tranxene) | [36 - 200 hours] | 15 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Diazepam (Valium) | 20 - 100 hours [36 - 200 hours] | 10 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Estazolam (ProSom, Nuctalon) | 10 - 24 hours | 1 - 2 mg | Hypnotic |
| Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) | 18 - 26 hours [36 - 200 hours] | 1 mg | Hypnotic |
| Flurazepam (Dalmane) | [40 - 250 hours] | 15 - 30 mg | Hypnotic |
| Halazepam (Paxipam) | [30 - 100 hours] | 20 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Ketazolam (Paxipam) | 30 - 100 hours [36 - 200 hours] | 15 - 30 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Loprazolam (Dormonoct) | 6 - 12 hours | 1 - 2 mg | Hypnotic |
| Lorazepam (Ativan) | 10 - 20 hours | 1 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Lormetazepam (Noctamid) | 10 - 12 hours | 1 - 2 mg | Hypnotic |
| Medazepam (Nobrium) | 36 - 200 hours | 10 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Nitrazepam (Mogadon) | 15 - 38 hours | 10 mg | Hypnotic |
| Nordazepam (Nordaz) | 36 - 200 hours | 10 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Oxazepam (Serax) | 4 - 15 hours | 20 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Prazepam (Centrax) | [36 - 200 hours] | 10 - 20 mg | Anxiolytic |
| Quazepam (Doral) | 25 - 100 hours | 20 mg | Hypnotic |
| Temazepam (Restoril) | 8 - 22 hours | 20 mg | Hypnotic |
| Triazolam (Halcion) | 2 hours | 0.5 mg | Hypnotic |
| Chemical name (brand name) | Half-Life [Active Metabolites] | Dose Equiv. of 10mg Diazepam (Oral) | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zaleplon (Sonata) | 2 hours | 20 mg | Hypnotic |
| Zolpidem (Ambien) | 2 hours | 20 mg | Hypnotic |
| Zopiclone (Imovane) | 5 - 6 hours | 15 mg | Hypnotic |
| Eszopiclone (Lunesta) | 6 hours | 3 mg | Hypnotic |
Onset:
Alprazolam IR : 8-25 minutes
Alprazolam XR : 25-75 minutes
Diazepam : Rapid
Clonazapam : 1 hour
Lorazepam : 1-2 hours
Peak Benefit:
Diazepam : 1.6 hours
Alprazolam IR : 90 minutes
Alprazolam XR : 25-75 minutes
Diazepam : 2-4 hours
Clonazapam : 1-4 hours
Half/Life and Duration
Triazolam : 2.5 Hours
Lorazepam : 10-20 hours - 6-12 hour duration
Alprazolam IR : 11 hour half life - 5 hour duration
Alprazolam XR :11-16 hour hour half life, 11 hour duration
Diazepam : 20-100 hour half life - 6-8 hour duration
Clonazepam : 18-50 hour half life - 12+ hours
Dosages Depend on tolerance.
Potentiators:
-Grapefruit juice
Avoid:
-Excessive drinking (you will die)
Duration: X hours
Onset: X minutes
Low dose: X mg
Medium (typical) dose: X mg
High dose: X mg
NOT RECOMMENDED
Duration: X hours
Onset: X minutes
Low dose: X mg
Medium (typical) dose: X mg
High dose: X mg
NOT RECOMMENDED
Duration: X hours
Onset: X minutes
Low dose: X mg
Medium (typical) dose: X mg
High dose: X mg
italic caption