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Chances are, you know what benzodiazepines are…even if you may not know how to spell or pronounce the word for them. In fact, the word is so long and confusing that most people address benzodiazepines by their brand names or street terms.
There are plenty of kinds of prescription drugs out there, with benzodiazepines just being one of them. Because of that, it can be difficult to tell what type of drug a pill is unless you know the connection between the medical name and commonly-used terms.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are depressant drugs that are typically prescribed by a medical professional.
There are many different types, and every kind of benzodiazepine is different — they all have varied intensities, symptoms, purposes, prices, etc. Some of the many different types include:
Medical Name
Diazepam
Chlordiazepoxide
Clonazepam
Clorazepate
Lorazepam
Alprazolam
Flurazepam
Estazolam
Brand Name
Valium
Librium
Klonopin
Tranxene
Ativan
Xanax
Dalmane
Prosom
The most commonly-used types of benzodiazepines are Valium, Xanax, & Klonopin. Drugs like this are typically prescribed for:
- Sedation & hypnosis
- Muscle relief
- Seizure relief
- Anxiety & panic disorder relief
- Help with sleeping
- Alcohol withdrawal symptom relief
Many people abuse benzodiazepines by getting scripts from multiple doctors, forging prescriptions, or buying illegally. This type of abuse is commonly found in individuals who use heroin, cocaine, or another addictive drug that could be paired with the pills.
Common Names for Benzodiazepines
Since benzodiazepines is a long term, many people who use these drugs use an abbreviation or nickname for them when referencing them. Common street names for benzodiazepines such as Xanax & Valium may include: Benzos, downers, zannies, and more.
Effects of The Drug
Seeing as benzodiazepines are commonly abused by those with addictive tendencies, it’s no surprise that they can cause physical dependence. Therefore, anyone with a history of drug abuse should use them carefully if prescribed; also, they should not be used while drinking since the effects can be extremely dangerous.
Some symptoms that come from using benzodiazepines may include:
- Drowsiness & sleepiness
- Withdrawal if stopping suddenly
- Dizziness & unsteadiness
- Hostility & irritability
- Weakness
- Vivid or disturbing dreams
- Disorientation & impaired memory
How to Learn More
If you’re curious about all the commonly-used names for benzodiazepines and other prescription drugs, give our medical professionals a call at 267.209.7313. We can answer all your questions about common terms, as well as next steps to take if you or a loved one is having a problem with any types of benzodiazepines. Visit our benzodiazepine treatment page to learn more about rehabilitation for prescription addiction and to discover our suite of treatment options.
