Strength: Some benzodiazepines are stronger than others (though potency can vary from person to person for varying reasons).

There are two main ways that experts classify benzodiazepines:

Sedative: This term comes from a Latin word that means “to settle.” In this context, benzodiazepines help your nervous system “settle down” and have a quieting effect.

Just like their namesake, hypnotic medications make you sleepy.

Hypnotic: While many people associate “hypnotic’’ with the practice of hypnosis, this word actually comes from the name Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep.

Anxiolytic: This term is a combination of two Greek root words, “anxio” for “anxiety” and “lytic,” meaning “to loosen.” While active, medications with this effect “loosen’’ anxiety’s hold on you.Amnestic: This word comes from a Greek word that means “forgetfulness.” Benzodiazepines temporarily block the formation of new memories (known as anterograde amnesia).The slowed activity can have the following effects: This neurotransmitter has a specific job: It makes your nervous system less active. If it fits, the neurotransmitter can activate a process within the cell (starting your car).īenzodiazepines tell your brain to release a neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Neurotransmitters (your car key) can only fit into the right receptor (your car ignition). Neurotransmitters and receptors work much like your car keys. The chemical signals, known as neurotransmitters, can attach to cells with the right receptors. Your nervous system uses chemical and electrical signals to send and relay messages throughout your body. If your nervous system’s activity drops too low, it can have dangerous or even deadly effects. Because of these factors, healthcare providers use benzodiazepines cautiously.

IMPORTANT: Benzodiazepines are controlled because they can have dangerous effects, especially when misused. It’s illegal to have or obtain them (depending on the laws where you are) if you don’t have a prescription. That means you need a prescription to get them. Many countries, including the U.S., classify benzodiazepines (sometimes known by the slang term “benzos”) as controlled substances. The decrease in nervous system activity makes these medications helpful for a variety of symptoms and conditions. Benzodiazepines are medications that make your nervous system less active.

Antidote to benzodiazepine