Benzodiazepines

Background

• A Benzodiazepine is a GABA receptor agonist.
• Binding results in inhibition of neuronal firing

Table

Generic (Trade Name)	Equivalent Oral Dose	Onset (minutes)	Duration (hours)
Alprazolam (Xanax)	0.5mg	15-30	6-12
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)	25mg	30-60	24-48
Diazepam (Valium)	5mg	2-5 (IV)	6-12
Flurazepam (Dalmane)	15mg	15-60	24-48
Lorazepam (Ativan)	1mg	5-20(IV); 15-30 (IM)	6-8
Midazolam (Versed)	5mg	15(IM)	1-2
Oxazepam (Serax)	15mg	30-60	6-8
Temazepam (Restoril)	15mg	30	2-4

Uses

• Sedation
• Seizures
• Alcohol Withdrawal
• Panic disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Muscle Spasms

See Also

• Benzodiazepine Toxicity
• Intranasal Sedation
• Sedation (main)