List of Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a group of medications that are prescribed for anxiety and insomnia treatment. Benzodiazepines act on the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor, according to the Centers of Substance Abuse Research, which is the same receptor that ethanol acts on. As a result, many people become addicted to benzodiazepines. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), benzodiazepines are classified as either short-acting or long-acting. Another benzodiazepine, Rohypnol, is not legal in the United States and is used as a "date rape" drug.

Short-Acting Benzodiazepines

Two types of short-acting benzodiazepines are available on the market, according to the DEA. The first type of short-acting benzodiazepine treats insomnia patients who do not have daytime anxiety. Examples of short-acting benzodiazepines for insomnia include ProSom (estazolam), Dalmone (flurazepam), Restoril (temazepam) and Halcion (triazolam). The other type of short-acting benzodiazepine is used for sedation and treating anxiety and amnesia; however, this type of short-acting benzodiazepine is used in critical care settings and prior to anesthesia. Versed, or midazolam, is an example of the second type of short-acting benzodiazepine.

Long-Acting Benzodiazepines

Long-acting benzodiazepines, on the other hand, treat insomnia in patients who also have daytime anxiety. According to the DEA, long-acting benzodiazepines include Xanax (alprazolam), Iibrium (chlordiazepoxide), Tranxene (clorazepate), Valium (diazepam), Paxipam (halazepam), Ativan (lorazepam), Serax (oxazepam), Centrax (prazepam) and Doral (quazepam). Some of the long-acting benzodiazepines also act as anticonvulsants. These long-acting benzodiazepines include clorazepate, diazepam and Klonopin (clonazepam).

Rohypnol

Rohypnol, or flunitrazepam, is a benzodiazepine that is not manufactured or marketed legally in the United States, according the DEA. Also called "roofies," "roach" and "rophies," Rohypnol has been used as a party drug, but also as a "date rape" drug. Potential rapists slip the Rohypnol in someone's drink, which renders them unable to defend themselves during a sexual assault. Rohypnol is available only through smuggling from other countries.