Benzodiazepines BZO

Screening Cut-off: 300 ng/ml
DEA Drug Class: Depressant
Type: Prescription Drug
Trade Names: Alprazolam Intensol, Alti-Alprazolam, Alti-Bromazepam, Alti-Clonazepam, Alti-Triazolam, Apo-Alpraz, Apo-Chlordiazepoxide, Apo-Clonazepam, Apo-Clorazepate, Apo-Diazepam, Apo-Flurazepam, Apo-Lorazepam, Apo-Oxazepam, Apo-Temazepam, Apo-Triazo, Ativan, Clonapam, Clonopin, Dalmane, Diastat, Diazemuls, Diazepam Intensol, Dizac, Doral, Frisium, Gen-Alprazolam, Gen-Bromazepam, Gen-Clonazepam, Gen-Triazolam, Halcion, Klonopin, Lectopam, Librium, Lorazepam Intensol, Mogadon, Niravam, Novo-Alprazol, Novo-Clopate, Novo-Dipam, Novo-Flupam, Novo-Lorazem, Novo-Poxide, Novo-Temazepam, Novo-Triolam, Novoxapam, Nu-Alpraz, Nu-Loraz, Paxipam 0, Pms-Clonazepam, Pms-Diazepam, Prosom, Restoril, Rivotril, Rohypnol, Serax, Somnol, T-Tab, Tranxene, Tranxene-Sd, Tranxene-Sd Half Strength, Valium, Xanax
Street Names:  Downer, Downs, Nerve Pills, Roofies, R-2, Tranks

Drug Information

Benzodiazepines (BZO) are medications that are frequently prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. They produce their effects via specific receptors involving a neurochemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). Because they are safer and more effective, Benzodiazepines have replaced barbiturates in the treatment of both anxiety and insomnia. Benzodiazepines are also used as sedatives before some surgical and medical procedures, and for the treatment of seizure disorders and alcohol withdrawal. Risk of physical dependence increases if Benzodiazepines are taken regularly (e.g., daily) for more than a few months, especially at higher than normal doses. Stopping abruptly can bring on such symptoms as trouble sleeping, gastrointestinal upset, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, sweating, trembling, weakness, anxiety and changes in perception. Only trace amounts (less than 1%) of most Benzodiazepines are excreted unaltered in the urine; most of the concentration in urine is conjugated drug. The detection period for the Benzodiazepines in the urine is 3-7 days.

Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Drug Classification and Effects Information

• Classification/Schedule III: Drugs with less abuse potential than schedule II; have moderate to low physical dependency, but may have high psychological dependence
• Physical Dependency: Moderate
• Psychological Dependency: Moderate
• Tolerance: Yes
• Possible Effects: Slurred speech, disorientation, drunken behavior without odor of alcohol, impaired memory of events, interacts with alcohol
• Effects of Overdose: Shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, possible death
• Withdrawal Syndrome: Anxiety, insomnia, tremors, delirium, convulsions, possible death

Resources

• Drug Information Chart

• Benzodiazepines Wikipedia Information
• DEA Benzodiazepines Information
• DEA Chart Drugs of Abuse, Uses and Effects
• DEA Drug Classes
• DEA Drugs and Chemicals of Concern
• DEA: Benzodiazepines Information
• Drug Free America Report: Depressants
• Drug Free America Report: Prescriptions Sedatives Tranquilizers
• General Drug Information on Drugs.com
• Getting High on Prescription Drugs PDF
• NIDA – Benzodiazepines – Prescription Drug Abuse Report
• NIDA – Benzodiazepines, Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications Information
• NIDA – Benzodiazepines, Prescription Medication Information
• NIDA Commonly Abused Drugs
• NIDA Prescription Drug Abuse Chart
• NIDA Prescription Drug Abuse Information PDF
• NLM/NIH: Club Drugs Information
• Street Drug Information: Benzodiazepines
• White House Information on: Club Drugs