Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (733 page)

BENZODIAZEPINES
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   Definition

   A class of drugs with a three-ringed chemical structure consisting of a benzene ring, a seven-member diazepine ring, and a phenyl ring attached to the 5-position of the diazepine ring. The CNS depressant activity of these drugs is mediated through the neurotransmitter, GABA.

   Specific agents: alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), temazepam (Restoril), oxazepam (Serax), flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam (Versed), clonazepam (Klonopin), and triazolam (Halcion).

   
Normal range:
see Table 16.11.

TABLE 16–11. Reference Ranges of Benzodiazepines

   Use

   Assistance in the treatment of panic attacks, panic disorders, and agoraphobia (alprazolam, clonazepam)

   Treatment of anxiety (diazepam, lorazepam)

   Treatment of seizures (diazepam, clonazepam)

   Treatment of insomnia (temazepam, triazolam)

   Preoperative sedation and to assist in induction of surgical anesthesia (midazolam, diazepam, lorazepam)

   Muscle relaxant (diazepam)

   Treatment of alcohol dependence (chlordiazepoxide, diazepam)