Benzodiazepines, also known as “benzos,” are a class of drug developed to treat insomnia and anxiety, among other things. Leo Sternback created them almost purely by accident when he worked for the Hoffman-LaRoche Company in the 1930s. Development proceeded quietly for the next decade or so, and the first benzodiazepine saw public release in 1957. The first name-brand benzodiazepine available was Librium, which is still available today. Other available benzodiazepines include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clobazam (Onfi)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene)
- Diazepam (Acudial, Diastat, Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
Oral formulations of benzodiazepines all come in tablet forms. Some of them offer extended-release tablets, dissolving tablets or capsules. The most popular formulations — alprazolam, diazepam and lorazepam — are available as an oral liquid solution. Some benzodiazepines are available in injectable form, and diazepam even comes as a rectal gel.