UK Toll-Free : 0808 26 REHAB (73422)          SA: 082 74 REHAB (73422)

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a type of medication often prescribed as part of medically supervised drug withdrawal and treatment. Benzodiazepines are minor tranquilizers. Benzodiazepines work by affecting the way certain brain chemicals transmit messages to some brain cells. In effect, they reduce the excitability of many brain cells. This has a calming effect on various functions of the brain, making you drowsy.

Benzodiazepines are usually supplied under other names such as diazepam (trade name Valium), lorazepam (trade name Ativan), chlordiazepoxide, (trade names Librium and Tropium),  temazepam, nitrazepam, flurazepam, and loprazolam.

A benzodiazepine drug will often work well in the short-term, but is not normally advised for more than 2-4 weeks. If you take it for longer, the drug may lose its effect (you may become tolerant to the effect).

This Glossary article was created on 10th January 2010