CLASSIFICATION: Tranquilizer/Sedative Hypnotic TYPE Synthetic Legal and Illegal

EXPLANATION: The following is a partial list of the most commonly used Benzos.

LONG HALF-LIFE:

      ·         Clonazepam/klonopin

·         clordiazepoxide/librium

·         diazepam/valium

·         halazepam/paxipam

·         prazepam/centrax

·         clorazepate/tranxene

·         flurazepam/daimane

SHORT HALF-LIFE:

·         Lorazepam/ativan

·         alprazo/~anax

·         triazolam/halcion

·         oxazepam/serax

·         temazepam/restoril

METHOD OF USE: Oral, I/V

DURATION OF ACTION: Short acting 2-4 hrs Long acting 6-8 hrs.

DETECTION IN URINE SCREENING: 1 wk up to 1 mo. depending on duration of action and if used chronically.

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS: Sedation, drowsiness, hostility, depression, prolonged physical and psychomotor times, incoordination, memory loss (1) acute amnesia for a brief period following a high dose IN (2) impairment of recall with chronic use.

PHYSICAL EFFECTS: Vertigo (light headed), dizziness, double vision, ataxia (staggering), lethargy. SUICIDE ATTEMPTS ARE USUALLY NOT FATAL IF USED ALONE.

 WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS: Psychological: Insomnia, anxiety and restlessness are the most common. May have seizures and psychosis in some individuals. Other symptoms include irritability, agitation, lethargy, depression, nightmares, confusion, paranoid delusions, hallucinations.

Physical: Muscle tension, nausea, aches and pains, blurred vision, ataxia (staggering), persistent ringing in the ears. Withdrawal symptoms last 2-4 wks with short acting benzos but 4 to 8 wks or longer with others.