Benzodiazepines (BZDs)
- Rapid GABA-A positive modulators
- Anxiety, agitation, seizures, withdrawal
- Also sedation/insomnia depending on agent
- Fast effect; no delayed antidepressant action
- Sedation, falls, amnesia + dependence
- Withdrawal can cause seizures/delirium
- Opioid combination → respiratory danger
Class at a glance
- Rapid GABA-A positive modulators
Members / distinctions
- Fast effect; no delayed antidepressant action
- Opioid combination → respiratory danger
Safety / monitoring
- Anxiety, agitation, seizures, withdrawal
- Also sedation/insomnia depending on agent
Safety distinctions
- Sedation, falls, amnesia + dependence
- Withdrawal can cause seizures/delirium
Pearls
- Not antidepressants; ineffective for depression
- Generally avoid with substance use disorder
- Long-acting agents: withdrawal may appear up to 3 weeks later
- Withdrawal can masquerade as anxiety relapse; taper gradually
- Flurazepam, quazepam: long t½ → next-day impairment
Self-check
- What can benzodiazepine withdrawal cause?
Seizures and delirium. - What combination creates major respiratory danger with benzodiazepines?
Opioids.
Drugs in this class (15)
Benzodiazepines (BZDs) prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Benzodiazepines (1961–2026).
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