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The tables below contain a sample list of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine analogs that are commonly prescribed, with their basic pharmacological characteristics, such as half-life and equivalent doses to other benzodiazepines, also listed, along with their trade names and primary uses.
Flurazepam [2] (marketed under the brand names Dalmane and Dalmadorm) is a drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. It produces a metabolite with a long half-life, which may stay in the bloodstream for days. [3]
[6] [32] Diazepam is the most commonly used benzodiazepine for "tapering" benzodiazepine dependence due to the drug's comparatively long half-life, allowing for more efficient dose reduction. Benzodiazepines have a relatively low toxicity in overdose. [19] Diazepam has several uses, including:
This is likely the result of the medication's long half-life, which continues to affect the user after waking up. [58] [59] [60] While benzodiazepines induce sleep, they tend to reduce the quality of sleep by suppressing or disrupting REM sleep. [61] After regular use, rebound insomnia may occur when discontinuing clonazepam. [62]
Gradual and careful reduction of the dosage, preferably with a long-acting benzodiazepine with long half-life active metabolites, such as chlordiazepoxide or diazepam, are recommended to prevent severe withdrawal syndromes from developing. Other hypnotic benzodiazepines are not recommended. [48]
Nordazepam is a partial agonist at the GABA A receptor, which makes it less potent than other benzodiazepines, particularly in its amnesic and muscle-relaxing effects. [6] Its elimination half life is between 36 and 200 hours, with wide variation among individuals; factors such as age and sex are known to impact it. [2]
Oxazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine of the 3-hydroxy family; it acts on benzodiazepine receptors, resulting in increased effect of GABA to the GABA A receptor which results in inhibitory effects on the central nervous system. [26] [27] The half-life of oxazepam is between 6 and 9 hours.
Benzodiazepines require special precaution if used during pregnancy, in children, in alcohol- or drug-dependent individuals and individuals with comorbid psychiatric disorders. [12] Lormetazepam may be unsuitable for the elderly due to residual effects on memory and body sway which may result in falls. [13]