Benzodiazepine Drug Facts
Benzodiazepine (BZO) belongs to the psychoactive class of drugs prescribed to treat anxiety, depression, muscle relaxation, etc. Being called “Benzos,” they act on the central nervous system, lower brain activity, and provide a calm reaction.
Klonopin Pre Employment Drug Test: Everything We Know
They are tranquilizers which are the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. According to some trusted sources, nearly 70% of working people in the United States take benzos as prescription medication. Klonopin or Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine.
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Table Of Contents:
- FDA-Approved Benzodiazepine Drugs
- Benzodiazepine Abuse Symptoms
- Behavioral symptoms of Benzodiazepine Abuse
- Benzodiazepine Detection
- Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
Benzos are commonly abused because of their wide availability in the market. People may take an overdose either intentionally or accidentally. Abuse of Benzos may lead to lethal symptoms and consequences. Some of them take combinations of benzos with other drugs like alcohol that could be dangerous and lead to death.
FDA-Approved Benzodiazepine Drugs
There are more than 2000 Benzodiazepine drugs, but the FDA has approved 15 drugs in the United States. The prominent ones include
- Midazolam ( Versed)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Among them, the most popular Benzodiazepine drugs include Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin. Being abused, the U.S government had placed the Benzodiazepine drugs under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.
Benzodiazepine Abuse Symptoms
Taking normal doses of the drug can relieve anxiety and depression. Some people may feel drowsy or dizzy. Higher doses of Benzos may cause the below symptoms.
- Confusion
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of concentration
- Unable to see clearly
- Fatigue
- Lack of motor coordination
- Mumbled speech
- Insomnia
- Difficulty in breathing
- Coma and death (Extreme situations)
Behavioral symptoms of Benzodiazepine Abuse
- The person keeps himself away from friends, responsibilities, and family to use the drug.
- The individual’s only concern is to have a steady supply of the drug and stock the drugs at his home.
- The person involves obscene activities to pay for the drug-like borrowing money, stealing, or overusing credit cards.
- The person gets into some risky activities like driving after taking the drug.
- The person does not show any interest in maintaining his health or hygiene.
- The person undergoes a secret lifestyle as he does not want others to know about his drug abuse.
- In the worst cases, the person cannot have a steady state of mind. He would experience a change in mood often that would lead to depression, anxiety, and aggression.
Benzodiazepine Detection
Drug levels in ng/mL |
Detection Window |
Greater than 200 ng/mL (Urine) |
2 hours to 4 days |
Greater than 50 ng/mL (Saliva) |
1 to 3 days |
The Benzos can be traced in your urine for 2 hours to a maximum of 4 days since your last consumption. A mouth swab drug test can detect the drug for three days after your last intake. Use qualified home-based urine drug test kits and mouth swab drug test kits to personally check the levels of Benzos you have in your body.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms
It may last for weeks to months according to the intake and usage frequency. Some common withdrawal symptoms include hand tremors, irritation, insomnia, fatigue, headache, panic attacks, hypersensitivity to light and touch, etc.