List Of Benzodiazepines From Strongest To Weakest

Benzodiazepines, also known as “benzos,” are a class of drugs with sedative-hypnotic properties.

They are some of the most commonly abused prescription medications. As central nervous system (CNS) depressants, they’re known to slow activity in the brain.

Many benzodiazepines are legally prescribed by doctors for the treatment of certain mental health disorders and medical conditions.

Common uses for benzodiazepines include:

• anxiety disorders
• panic disorder
• insomnia
• seizures
• alcohol withdrawal
• muscle relaxant

Some of the prescription drugs that belong to the benzodiazepine drug class are stronger than others. Some benzos also have a longer half-life, meaning they stay in the body longer.

What Are The Strongest Benzodiazepines?

There are several high-potency benzodiazepines on the market.

That includes benzodiazepines within the legal pharmaceutical market, as well as the illicit drug market, which may contain benzodiazepines that are fully illegal for use in the U.S.

An example is flunitrazepam, or Rohypnol, which is not approved for medical use in the U.S.

High-potency, short-acting benzodiazepines are generally the most sought-after by those who misuse benzos because they’re known for their ability to produce a rapid, if short-lived high.

High-potency, short-acting benzos include:

• alprazolam (Xanax)
• lorazepam (Ativan)
• triazolam (Halcion)

Clonazepam (Klonopin) is the only legal benzodiazepine in the U.S. drug that has a high potency, but a long half-life and a slow onset of action.

What Are The Weakest Benzodiazepines?

The weakest benzos are drugs that have low potency. This makes their effects weaker, and thus less appealing for people who are taking benzodiazepines in order to achieve a rapid or intense high.

Clobazam (Onfi) is the most common example of a medium-strength, medium-potency benzo.

Weaker benzodiazepines include:

• diazepam (Valium)
• chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• tranxene (clorazepate)
• oxazepam (Serax)
• temazepam (Restoril)
• flurazepam

Both oxazepam and temazepam are weaker benzos with a short-half life. That is, they are short-acting. The other benzodiazepines listed are long-acting, with a longer half-life.

What Is A Drug’s Half-Life?

A half-life refers to the amount of time it takes for the concentration of a drug’s active ingredient to decrease by half of the starting dose in the body.

Are Weak Benzodiazepines Safer To Take?

What is most important when it comes to drug safety is how a drug is taken, particularly if it is taken recreationally and not as prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider.

Other factors that can affect the safety of drug use include:

• dose taken
• whether it is taken in combination with other drugs (including alcohol)
• overall health status
• age

Risks And Dangers Of Benzodiazepine Abuse

Abusing benzodiazepines for their effects, or in order to enhance or dull the effects of other addictive substances can have harmful consequences, both in the short term and long term.

Short-Term Side Effects

A number of short-term side effects can occur from benzodiazepine abuse, including drowsiness, impaired coordination, memory problems, and dizziness.

Higher doses of benzodiazepines also carry a risk of sedation and accidental overdose.

Overdose Risk

Emergency department visits and overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines have risen in recent years, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This is in part due to intentional or accidental co-ingestion of benzodiazepines and opioids, a dangerous combination that carries a high risk of overdose and respiratory depression.

An overdose can have deadly consequences if not properly and quickly treated.

Drug Dependence

Chronic drug abuse can lead to physical dependence, which can in turn result in withdrawal symptoms if you attempt to reduce your drug use or stop taking the drug completely.

In moderate to severe cases, benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome can cause symptoms such as panic attacks, irritability, unusual movements, seizures, suicidal ideation, and more.

Drug Addiction

Addiction, also known as substance use disorder, can develop as a result of repeated drug abuse.

When addiction develops, it can be difficult or feel impossible to control your drug use. You might struggle to control your drug use on your own, even knowing it has become a problem.

Withdrawal Timeline and Symptoms: What to Expect by Benzodiazepine Type

The withdrawal process from benzodiazepines varies depending on the drug type, strength, and how long it stays in the body. Some benzos leave the system quickly, which can trigger symptoms within hours. Others wear off more slowly, leading to a longer but more gradual withdrawal period.

Even people taking benzodiazepines as prescribed can develop physical dependence. Stopping suddenly can cause uncomfortable — and sometimes dangerous — symptoms, so a medical taper is always recommended.

The following is a list of typical withdrawal timelines by various benzodiazepines:

• Alprazolam (Xanax): 
Withdrawal symptoms may begin 8 to 24 hours after the last dose. People often experience rebound anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and sweating. Because of its short half-life, symptoms can appear quickly and feel intense.
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
:Withdrawal usually starts within 12 to 24 hours. Symptoms may include irritability, nausea, restlessness, and sensitivity to light or sound.
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
: This longer-acting benzodiazepine may not cause symptoms for 1 to 3 days. Common effects include muscle aches, agitation, and fatigue.
• Diazepam (Valium): 
With its very long half-life, withdrawal may not appear for 2 to 4 days. People may notice restlessness, cravings, and mood swings as the drug slowly leaves the system.
• Temazepam or Oxazepam
: These shorter-acting medications can lead to withdrawal within 12 to 24 hours. Symptoms may include rebound insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness.

Common Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can feel different for everyone, but most people experience some combination of the following:

• Sleep problems or vivid dreams
•  Increased anxiety or panic attacks
•  Irritability or mood swings
•  Muscle pain or tightness
•  Sweating, tremors, or nausea
• Difficulty concentrating
•  In severe cases: hallucinations or seizures

These symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on how long the person has been taking the medication and the dose they were on.

Benzodiazepine Detox And Addiction Treatment

Quitting a benzodiazepine after developing physical dependence should not be attempted alone.

Withdrawal symptoms can become severe, and potentially life-threatening, particularly for those who have been regularly taking this type of anxiolytic drug for a long time.

Finding a detox program is the safest way to begin the process of withdrawing from a benzodiazepine, and is the first step in treating benzodiazepine addiction.