noun
- a class of psychoactive drugs that act as central nervous system depressants, commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures
Usage: medical/pharmaceutical term; often abbreviated as 'benzo' in informal contexts
Examples
- The doctor prescribed a benzodiazepine to help manage her anxiety disorder.
- Benzodiazepines are commonly used in emergency rooms to treat acute seizures.
- Long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to dependence and tolerance.
- Valium and Xanax are well-known benzodiazepine medications.
- The patient was warned about the risks of combining benzodiazepines with alcohol.