Benzodiazepine | What Kind of Drug Is It?
What Kind of Drug Is It?
Benzodiazepines (pronounced ben-zoh-die-AZ-uh-peens) are depressants that relieve anxiety. Their names are easy to recognize because many of them end in the suffix "-am." Some common benzodiazepines are alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam. Benzodiazepines are only available legally with a doctor's prescription.
A number of medical terms apply to benzodiazepines. Just like alcohol and barbituratesPronounced bar-BIH-chuh-rits; drugs that act as depressants and are used as sedatives or sleeping pills; also referred to as downers., benzodiazepines are classified as depressants because they slow down both the mind and the body. They are also considered sedative-hypnotic agentsDrugs that depress or slow down the body. and tranquilizers because they reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Benzodiazepines can be addicting.