{"id":2467,"date":"2023-07-20T10:18:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T10:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/?page_id=2467"},"modified":"2025-09-12T08:20:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T08:20:55","slug":"benzodiazepines","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/benzodiazepines\/","title":{"rendered":"What are Benzodiazepines? Identification &amp; Street Names"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Benzodiazepines, used primarily to treat anxiety and insomnia, are prescription drugs that have the potential to create addiction and dependence.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Doctors prescribe\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/benzodiazepines\/addiction\/\">benzodiazepines<\/a>, also called benzos,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/mind-and-mood\/benzodiazepines_and_the_alternatives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">to treat<\/a>\u00a0anxiety and sleep disturbances. These drugs can also be used in the treatment of muscle spasms, seizures, drug and alcohol withdrawal and tremors.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are Benzodiazepines?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that relax the body by making the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) more active. When GABA activity increases, activity in the brain and the nervous system slows, which relaxes the body. It is in this way that benzos promote sleep and alleviate anxiety.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are Benzodiazepines Used For?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aside from their most common uses (treating\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/co-occurring-disorders\/anxiety-disorders\/\">anxiety<\/a>\u00a0and insomnia), benzodiazepines can be prescribed to treat a range of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/262809.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">health conditions<\/a>. Some people may use benzos to treat panic disorder because they can quickly relieve anxiety. Benzos also have anticonvulsant properties, making them effective for treating seizures.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benzos are also known for reducing the severity of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/alcohol\/withdrawal-detox\/\">alcohol withdrawal<\/a>, so doctors may prescribe them during the detoxification process. Additionally, benzos have a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/02791072.1983.10472121?journalCode=ujpd20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">history<\/a>\u00a0of use for the treatment of muscular conditions, such as pain and spasticity, and in some cases, they can be prescribed to treat multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries and cerebral palsy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/treatment\/medication-assisted-treatment\/ativan\/\">Ativan for alcohol withdrawal<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dose and Administration<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benzodiazepine dose amounts depend upon the specific type of benzo prescribed and the purpose for which a person takes it. Low dose benzodiazepines include\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/ativan\/addiction\/\">Ativan<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/xanax\/addiction\/\">Xanax<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/klonopin\/addiction\/\">Klonopin<\/a>, but Librium and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/valium\/addiction\/\">Valium<\/a>\u00a0are typically prescribed in larger doses. The following dose and administration schedules\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsguides.com\/hopkins\/view\/Johns_Hopkins_Psychiatry_Guide\/787140\/all\/Benzodiazepines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">are common<\/a>\u00a0for the various types of benzo medications:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Ativan: .<\/strong>5 mg to 1 mg, three to four times per day<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Xanax: .<\/strong>25 mg to 1 mg, three times per day with a maximum daily dose of 4 mg<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Klonopin: .<\/strong>5 mg to 1 mg, three times per day with a maximum of 20 mg per day<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Librium:<\/strong>\u00a05 mg to 25 mg, three to four times per day with a maximum daily dose of 100 mg<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Valium:<\/strong>\u00a05 mg to 25 mg, three to four times per day up to a maximum dosage of 40 mg<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While maximum doses are provided, the total daily dose that is safe will be different for each person. Only a licensed physician can determine the benzodiazepine maximum dose that will be effective and safe for a specific person.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benzodiazepines List<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are numerous benzodiazepines that doctors can prescribe to treat anxiety and other conditions.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/mind-and-mood\/benzodiazepines_and_the_alternatives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Common benzos<\/a>\u00a0include the following:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Do Benzodiazepines Look Like?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benzodiazepines typically come in the form of a pill or tablet, but they can be different shapes or colors depending on their type. Some common benzo appearances are:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Xanax:<\/strong>\u00a0Xanax comes in a white, pink or light blue oval pill. It can also appear in the form of a white, oblong bar. Extended-release Xanax pills are white, yellow, blue or green and can be triangular, square, round or pentagon.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Klonopin:<\/strong>\u00a0Klonopin is typically a circular, blue pill with a \u201cK\u201d in the center.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Librium:<\/strong>\u00a0This benzo comes in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/imprints\/librium-25-roche-3259.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">capsule<\/a>\u00a0form and is often green and white, but colors can vary. It is also available as an injectable solution.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Valium:\u00a0<\/strong>This medication is seen as a circular, white pill with a \u201cV\u201d in the center.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Ativan:\u00a0<\/strong>Often appears as a white, pentagon tablet. Ativan is also available as a liquid solution for injection.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While common benzos typically appear as described, appearances can vary based upon the brand. For example, while Xanax is typically seen as an oval pill, or a \u201cXanax bar,\u201d the generic version, alprazolam, is usually a round pill.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benzodiazepines Street Names<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benzodiazepines have\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/drug-addiction\/street-names-for-drugs\/#gref\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">common street or slang names<\/a>\u00a0that describe them, and there are different terms for the various types of benzos:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Xanax:<\/strong>\u00a0Xanax street names include Xannies, Bars, Xanbars, Planks, Bricks, Upjohn and School Bus.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Klonopin:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.empr.com\/home\/news\/selenious-acid-injection-now-available-for-trace-element-supplementation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Slang names<\/a>\u00a0for this drug include K, K-pin, Super Valium and Pin.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Librium:<\/strong>\u00a0Librium street names are typically the same as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov\/drug_chem_info\/benzo.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">common slang terms\u00a0<\/a>for benzodiazepines in general: Benzos, Downers, Nerve Pills or Tranks.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Valium:<\/strong>\u00a0The following are common Valium street names: Benzos, V\u2019s, Yellow V\u2019s, Blue V\u2019s, Benzos, Downers, Tranks, Sleep Aways, Howards and Old Joes.<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Ativan:<\/strong>\u00a0Like Librium, the street names for Ativan can\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/portal.ct.gov\/DCP\/Drug-Control-Division\/Drug-Control\/Lorazepam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">include<\/a>\u00a0Benzos, Tranqs, Downers, and Nerve Pills.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benzodiazepine Side Effects<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benzodiazepine side effects include long-term and short-term effects. Short-term effects can occur soon after taking benzodiazepines, whereas long-term effects occur with prolonged use of these drugs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Short-term Use<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common side effects that occur soon after taking benzodiazepines are dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, memory issues, lack of balance and coordination, sedation, appetite changes, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, fatigue, weight gain and sexual dysfunction.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Long-term use<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Long-term effects of benzodiazepines can be more serious. With\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicinenet.com\/benzodiazepines_sleep-inducing-oral\/article.htm#what_are_the_side_effects_of_benzodiazepines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ongoing use,<\/a>\u00a0a person may develop an addiction to benzos and experience\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/drugs\/benzodiazepines\/withdrawal-detox\/\">withdrawal symptoms<\/a>\u00a0when drug use stops. People may also experience significant side effects, such as dangerously low blood pressure, seizures, movement disorders and suicidal thoughts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a person develops a dependence upon benzos from long-term use, withdrawal symptoms\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicinenet.com\/benzodiazepines_sleep-inducing-oral\/article.htm#what_are_the_side_effects_of_benzodiazepines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">can include<\/a>\u00a0tremors, anxiety, panic attacks, vomiting, muscle pains, headache, heart palpitations, sleep disturbances and difficulties concentrating.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Long Do Benzos Stay in Your System?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The length of time that benzos are detectable in a person\u2019s system depends on the testing method and the frequency of benzo use. The following are estimates of how long benzos stay in a person\u2019s system:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Urine:<\/strong>\u00a0When benzos are taken as prescribed at typical doses, they can stay in a person\u2019s system\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK64092\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">for three to seven days<\/a>; with chronic use, they can be detected for up to 30 days<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Blood:<\/strong>\u00a0Blood tests can reveal benzodiazepine use within the past 12 to 24 hours before the test<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Hair:<\/strong>\u00a0Hair tests can detect benzodiazepine use that has occurred within the past three months<\/li>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<li><strong>Breastmilk:<\/strong>\u00a0Using benzodiazepines while pregnant is not recommended because newborns\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/womensmentalhealth.org\/posts\/benzodiazepines-and-pregnancy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">can experience<\/a>\u00a0withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines can also be transferred to infants via breast milk.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK501199\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">One study<\/a>\u00a0found that Xanax levels in breast milk peaked one hour after administration.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are Benzodiazepines Addictive?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benzodiazepines are addictive, even for people who take them as prescribed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benzodiazepine addiction could be suspected if a person is spending a significant amount of time and money attempting to obtain benzos or if they find it difficult to stop or reduce their benzodiazepine use. Other signs of addiction include experiencing regular difficulties at work or in personal life because of drug use.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you or a loved one struggle with benzodiazepine addiction,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/contact-us\/\">contact The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health<\/a>\u00a0to speak with a representative about how professional\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/treatment\/\">addiction treatment<\/a>\u00a0can help. The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health uses personalized treatment programs to ensure that each client receives the treatment that caters to their unique needs. Take the first step toward a healthier future by calling today.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Benzodiazepines, used primarily to treat anxiety and insomnia, are prescription drugs that have the potential to create addiction and dependence. Doctors prescribe\u00a0benzodiazepines, also called benzos,\u00a0to treat\u00a0anxiety and sleep disturbances. These drugs can also be used in the treatment of muscle spasms, seizures, drug and alcohol withdrawal and tremors. What Are Benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines are a class [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11184,"parent":481,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2467","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-benzodiazepines"],"acf":{"written_by":317,"enable_medically_and_up":["Yes"],"medically_reviewed_by":293,"medically_reviewed_content":"This article was reviewed by a medical professional to guarantee the delivery of accurate and up-to- date information. <a href=\"\/research\/\">View our research policy.<\/a>","up_to_date":"<i>Last Updated<\/i> - <b>3\/31\/2022<\/b>\r\n","page_first_published_date":"20220331","page_last_edit_date":"20220331","highlighted_description":"If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available. Speak with a Recovery Advocate by calling <a href=\"tel:8886480738\" >(888) 648-0728<\/a> now.","key_takeaways":"","source":{"source_label":"View Sources","source_content":"<div id=\"OpuLyIJv\" class=\"accordion-container\">\r\n<div class=\"accordion-item-container\">\r\n\r\nHarvard Health Publishing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/mind-and-mood\/benzodiazepines_and_the_alternatives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cBenzodiazepines (and the alternatives).\u201d <\/a>\u00a0March 15, 2019. Accessed July 10, 2019.\r\n\r\nNordqvist, J. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/262809.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cThe benefits and risks of benzodiazepines.\u201d <\/a>Medical News Today, March 7, 2019. Accessed July 10, 2019.\r\n\r\nBotvin-Madorsky, J. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/02791072.1983.10472121?journalCode=ujpd20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cThe Role of Benzodiazepines in the Management of Neurological and Muscular Disorders<\/a>.\u201d Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1983. Accessed July 10, 2019.\r\n\r\nKim, P; Weinstein, S. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsguides.com\/hopkins\/view\/Johns_Hopkins_Psychiatry_Guide\/787140\/all\/Benzodiazepines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cBenzodiazepines.\u201d <\/a>John Hopkins Medicine, December 19, 2016. Accessed July 10, 2019.\r\n\r\nDrugs.com. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/imprints\/librium-25-roche-3259.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cLibrium 25 Roche (Librium 25 mg).\u201d <\/a>Accessed July 12, 2019.\r\n\r\nEMPR. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.empr.com\/home\/news\/selenious-acid-injection-now-available-for-trace-element-supplementation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cKlonopin\u00ae (Clonazepam) Drug Slang\/Code Words.\u201d <\/a>August 1, 2017. Accessed July 14, 2019.\r\n\r\nConnecticut State Department of Consumer Protection. <a href=\"https:\/\/portal.ct.gov\/DCP\/Drug-Control-Division\/Drug-Control\/Lorazepam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cLorazepam.\u201d<\/a> Accessed July 14, 2019.\r\n\r\nDrug Enforcement Administration. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov\/drug_chem_info\/benzo.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cBenzodiazepines.\u201d <\/a>\u00a0July 2019. Accessed July 14, 2019.\r\n\r\nSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK64092\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cAppendix B. Urine Collection and Testing Procedures and Alternative Methods for Monitoring Drug Use.\u201d <\/a>\u00a02006. Accessed July 14, 2019.\r\n\r\nWomen\u2019s Mental Health. <a href=\"https:\/\/womensmentalhealth.org\/posts\/benzodiazepines-and-pregnancy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cBenzodiazepines and pregnancy.\u201d <\/a>May 6, 2001. Accessed July 14, 2019.\r\n\r\nNational Library of Medicine. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK501199\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cDrugs and lactation database.\u201d <\/a>\u00a0April 1, 2019. Accessed July 14, 2019.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>"},"staff_member_heading":"Authorship","staff_member":[{"staff_member_title":"Editor","select_staff_member":317},{"staff_member_title":"Medical Reviewer","select_staff_member":293}],"insurance_label":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/2467","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2467"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/2467\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/481"}],"acf:post":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/293"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/staff\/317"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11184"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2467"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2467"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.floridarehab.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2467"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}