Description
Benzodiazepines ((ben-zoe-dye-AZ-e-peens)) belong to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system).

Some benzodiazepines are used to relieve anxiety. However, benzodiazepines should not be used to relieve nervousness or tension caused by the stress of everyday life.

Some benzodiazepines are used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping). However, if used regularly (for example, every day) for insomnia, they usually are not effective for more than a few weeks.

Many of the benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of other conditions, also. Diazepam is used to help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm. Diazepam injection is used before some medical procedures to relieve anxiety and to reduce memory of the procedure. Chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam, and oxazepam are used to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Alprazolam and clonazepam are used in the treatment of panic disorder. Clobazam, clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, and lorazepam are used in the treatment of certain convulsive (seizure) disorders, such as epilepsy. The benzodiazepines may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Benzodiazepines may be habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence), especially when taken for a long time or in high doses.

These medicines are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
Alprazolam
Oral solution (U.S.)
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Bromazepam
Tablets (Canada)
Chlordiazepoxide
Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
Clobazam
Tablets (Canada)
Clonazepam
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Clorazepate
Capsules (Canada)
Tablets (U.S.)
Extended-release tablets (U.S.)
Diazepam
Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Estazolam
Tablets (U.S.)
Flurazepam
Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
Tablets (Canada)
Halazepam
Tablets (U.S.)
Lorazepam
Oral concentrate (U.S.)
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Sublingual tablets (Canada)
Nitrazepam
Tablets (Canada)
Oxazepam
Capsules (U.S.)
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Quazepam
Tablets (U.S.)
Temazepam
Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
Triazolam
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Parenteral
Chlordiazepoxide
Injection (U.S.)
Diazepam
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Lorazepam
Injection (U.S. and Canada)
Rectal
Diazepam
For rectal solution (may be prepared in U.S. and Canada from diazepam injection)
Rectal gel (U.S.)

Proper Use of This Medicine
For caregivers administering diazepam rectal gel:

Discuss with the patient's medical doctor exactly when and how to use diazepam rectal gel.
Discuss with the patient's medical doctor when you should call for emergency help.
Read the instructions that you received with the medicine before you need to use it.
Stay with the patient after administering diazepam rectal gel to check his or her condition as instructed by the doctor.
For patients taking clorazepate extended-release tablets :

Swallow tablets whole.
Do not crush, break, or chew before swallowing.

For patients taking alprazolam, diazepam, or lorazepam concentrated oral solution:

Measure each dose carefully using the dropper provided with the medicine.
It is recommended that each dose be mixed with water, soda or soda-like beverages, or semisolid food such as applesauce or pudding, just before it is taken.
Take the entire mixture right away. It should not be saved to be used later.

For patients taking lorazepam sublingual tablets:

Do not chew or swallow the tablet. This medicine is meant to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth. Place the tablet under your tongue (sublingual) and let it slowly dissolve there. Do not swallow for at least 2 minutes.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

If you think this medicine is not working properly after you have taken it for a few weeks, do not increase the dose. Instead, check with your doctor.

For patients taking this medicine on a regular schedule for epilepsy or other seizure disorder:

In order for this medicine to control your seizures, it must be taken every day in regularly spaced doses as ordered by your doctor . This is necessary to keep a constant amount of the medicine in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses.

For patients taking this medicine for insomnia:

Do not take this medicine when your schedule does not permit you to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours). If you must wake up before this, you may continue to feel drowsy and may experience memory problems, because the effects of the medicine have not had time to wear off.

For patients taking flurazepam:

When you begin to take this medicine, your sleeping problem will improve somewhat the first night. However, 2 or 3 nights may pass before you receive the full effects of this medicine.

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