HealthAugust 2, 2026
benzodiazepines
ben-zo-die-AY-zeh-peenz
Definition
A class of psychoactive drugs often prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA.
Etymology
The word is a chemical contraction derived from 'benzo-' (referring to the benzene ring) and 'diazepine' (referring to a seven-membered ring structure containing two nitrogen atoms).
In the news
The article uses the history of benzodiazepine use—specifically long-term use in older populations despite guidelines suggesting short-term use—as a prime example of why current medical standards often persist without ongoing clinical justification.
The Clinical Trial That Asks Whether Your Current Treatment Should Exist
Read the full article ↗The Clinical Trial Vanguard