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A benzodiazepine (often called benzo) psychoactive/psychotropic drug class whose core chemical structure is composed by the fusion of both benzene and diazepine rings. Derivatives of the benzodiazepines are rather well known and commonly prescribed (or illicitly used) for their sedative-hypnotic, muscle relaxant, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), amnesia, and anticonvulsant effects. They have largely replaced barbiturate drugs.

The most commonly recognized and known derivatives include Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Klonopin (clonazepam). There are numerous benzodiazepine derivatives than those stated here, and most have very similar effects to one another as described before. The differences between benzodiazepines include their chemical structure, potency, and relatively subtle differences in their effects (e.g. Ativan has more amnesic effects than Valium, Valium has an extremely long duration of action, Xanax has fast onset and wears off quickly, and Klonopin has stronger anticonvulsant effects.)

Dependence is not uncommon (this is NOT addiction), but that does not mean addiction can't happen. So doctors sometimes refuse to prescribe these.

Overall though, benzodiazepines are safe, effective, and have a wide range of applications. They also ACTUALLY work, and work very well. It is safe to say that had they not been discovered, we would probably still be using barbiturates.

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