benzodiazepine

American  

[ben-zoh-dahy-az-uh-peen, -ey-zuh-] / ˌbɛn zoʊ daɪˈæz əˌpin, -ˈeɪ zə- /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. any of a family of minor tranquilizers that act against anxiety and convulsions and produce sedation and muscle relaxation.

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benzodiazepine British  

/ ˌbɛnzəʊdaɪˈeɪzəˌpiːn /

noun

1. any of a group of chemical compounds that are used as minor tranquillizers, such as diazepam (Valium) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

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Etymology

Origin of benzodiazepine

First recorded in 1965–70; benz- + diazep(am) + -ine ²

Example Sentences

They also reduced prescriptions of the anxiety medications benzodiazepines and by more than 8%.

From Science Daily

That gave rise to an industry offering virtual care to prescribe a range of drugs that previously could be obtained only in person, from benzodiazepines to ketamine.

From Washington Post

"When necessary, they can be sedated with something we know more about like a benzodiazepine," Russo said.

From Salon

Several decades ago, a physician and psychopharmacologist named Heather Ashton developed detailed protocols to help patients withdraw from benzodiazepines after long-term use.

From Seattle Times

However, "The identity of the aerosol has never been officially disclosed," according to a 2020 review in the journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience, with other drugs like benzodiazepines and halothane being implicated.

From Salon

Related Words

• sedative