Benzodiazepines List: Common Benzo Medications

Benzodiazepines List

Benzodiazepines are prescription medications that slow activity in the central nervous system (CNS). They’re often used when anxiety feels overwhelming, panic symptoms come out of nowhere, or sleep disorders make it hard to function day to day. In some cases, benzos are also prescribed for seizures or muscle spasms because of their calming, sedative effect. For short-term relief, they can feel like they “switch off” the body’s stress response fast.

But the same relief that makes benzodiazepines useful also makes them risky. Long-term use, higher doses, and mixing benzos with alcohol or other sedatives can increase the risk of dependence, withdrawal, and overdose. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reported around 12,000 benzodiazepine overdose deaths in 2017, showing why careful monitoring matters.

Benzodiazepines—often called “benzos”—are psychoactive medications commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorder, and insomnia. They can also be prescribed for seizures and muscle tension because they promote muscle relaxation and reduce nervous system overactivity.

These medications work quickly, which is one reason they are widely used in the United States. Many patients feel calmer within minutes to an hour, depending on the drug and method of use. However, benzos are not usually meant for long-term daily use. Over time, the brain may rely on them to feel stable, which can lead to tolerance and dependence.

Because benzos can lead to dependence, most providers limit how long they’re prescribed and monitor how they’re used. This is especially important for people who have a history of substance use disorder or who are using other sedating medications.

A list of benzodiazepines includes both common prescriptions and less familiar compounds. Some are widely used in hospitals, while others are rarely prescribed today. Regardless of the name, the dose of benzodiazepines and frequency matter. Taking extra doses “just to get through the day” is often how benzodiazepine addiction begins.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can happen when someone stops suddenly or reduces their dose too fast. The severity depends on the medication, how long it was used, and the dose. Short-acting drugs may trigger faster withdrawal, while long-acting drugs may take longer to show symptoms.

Common benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety and panic
• Insomnia
• Irritability or mood swing
• Muscle tension and tremor
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Increased heart rate
• Heightened sensitivity to sound or light
• Seizures

Most providers recommend tapering under medically supervised care. A slow taper can reduce risks and make symptoms more manageable, especially for someone who has used benzos around the clock or for months.

Benzodiazepine addiction treatment often starts with recognizing the pattern: needing benzos to sleep, to calm down, or to feel “normal.” For some people, dependence happens quietly and becomes obvious only when they try to stop and withdrawal hits hard.

Treatment options usually include a structured taper, medical support, therapy, and relapse prevention planning. This is especially important for people who used benzos daily, took higher doses, or mixed them with other substances. Support programs may also help people stay accountable and build coping skills for anxiety and stress without medication dependence.

Our Scottsdale Detox Center offers a personalized treatment plan and detox program tailored to your needs. By choosing detox as your first step, you’re providing yourself with the best possible chance for a successful and sustainable recovery. Take the courageous step toward a brighter future and contact us today.