Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines differ in how quickly they start working, how long they continue to work, and for what they are most commonly prescribed.

Different BENZODIAZEPINE

BENZODIAZEPINE. Diazepam (Valium) and clorazepate (Tranxene) have fast onsets of action and usually start working within 30 to 60 minutes.
Oxazepam (Serax) has a slow onset, and lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), and clonazepam (Klonopin) have intermediate onsets of action.
Clorazepate (Tranxene), midazolam (Versed), and triazolam (Halcion) are short-acting agents with durations of action of 3 to 8 hours.
Alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), estazolam (Prosom), and temazepam (Restoril) are intermediate-acting agents with durations of action of 11 to 20 hours.
BENZODIAZEPINE: Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), flurazepam (Dalmane), and quazepam are long-acting agents with duration of action of 1 to 3 days.

Although most benzodiazepines are used interchangeably, some are most commonly used for certain conditions.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF BENZODIAZEPINES?

The most common side effects associated with benzodiazepines are:
sedation,
dizziness,
weakness, and
unsteadiness.