benzodiazepine
n. any of a family of drugs that depress central nervous system activity (CNS depressants) and also produce sedation and relaxation of skeletal muscles. Benzodiazepines include the prototype chlordiazepoxide; other anxiolytics such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepam; and hypnotics such as estazolam, flurazepam, quazepam, temazepam, and triazolam. They are commonly used in the treatment of generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and insomnia and are useful in the management of acute withdrawal from alcohol and of seizure disorders. Clinically introduced in the 1960s, they rapidly supplanted the barbiturates, largely due to their significantly lower toxicity in overdose. Members of the group show considerable variation in abuse potential, and prolonged use can lead to tolerance and psychological and physical dependence.