Pharmacology · Class
Benzodiazepines !
Calming medicines that strengthen the brain's main brake, GABA. They treat anxiety, seizures and alcohol withdrawal, and sedate before procedures.
Updated 2026-11-01
What they are
Anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant and muscle-relaxant medicines built on a benzodiazepine ring. They differ mainly in speed of onset, duration and active metabolites: midazolam is short acting and used for procedures, lorazepam and diazepam for seizures and alcohol withdrawal, alprazolam and clonazepam for panic disorder.
Mechanism of action
They bind the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor, between the α and γ subunits, and are positive allosteric modulators: GABA binds more readily and the chloride channel opens more often. More chloride enters the neuron, which becomes harder to excite. Flumazenil competitively blocks this site.
Target: GABA-A receptor (benzodiazepine site)
Drugs in this class
- DiazepamA long-acting benzodiazepine for anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasm and seizures. It and its active metabolites…GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- LorazepamAn intermediate-acting benzodiazepine, first choice for stopping status epilepticus. It has no active metabolites…GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- MidazolamA short-acting benzodiazepine for sedation in procedures and intensive care. Given IV it can stop breathing, so it…GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- AlprazolamA triazolobenzodiazepine used for panic disorder and anxiety. Anxiety between doses, dependence and withdrawal are…GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- ClonazepamA long-acting benzodiazepine used for some seizure types and for panic disorder. Tolerance to its antiseizure effect…GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- ChlordiazepoxideA long-acting, self-tapering benzodiazepine (active metabolites) used for anxiety and to prevent the dangers of…GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- OxazepamA short-to-intermediate benzodiazepine with no active metabolites, used for anxiety and alcohol withdrawal, often when…GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- TemazepamA benzodiazepine used for a short time to treat insomnia. It has no active metabolites; like other hypnotics it can…GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- TriazolamA very short-acting benzodiazepine for brief treatment of insomnia. It can cause next-day memory gaps and interacts…GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
Others in the class
- Clobazam
- Bromazepam
- Clorazepate
- Remimazolam
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
How do benzodiazepines change the GABA-A chloride channel?
They make it open more often in the presence of GABA; they do not open it on their own.
Which combination carries a boxed warning for death from respiratory depression?
Benzodiazepines with opioids.
Which three benzodiazepines have no active metabolites (glucuronidation only)?
Lorazepam, oxazepam and temazepam.
Why can flumazenil be dangerous in a long-term benzodiazepine user?
It can precipitate sudden withdrawal, including seizures.
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: DailyMed - DIAZEPAM tablet (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); DailyMed - LORAZEPAM tablet (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 22 (McGraw Hill, 2023); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.