Use of Benzodiazepines in Anxiety Disorders

Abstract
Beginning with chlordiazepoxide in 1960, benzodiazepines have been used extensively for the treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Eight benzodiazepine derivatives have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this purpose (Table 1). Another benzodiazepine, clonazepam, is also prescribed for this purpose but is labeled as an anticonvulsant.The clinical, pharmacokinetic, and neurochemical properties of the benzodiazepine derivatives have been the focus of many articles in the scientific literature16. Much is known about their molecular mechanisms of action, properties of distribution and elimination, clinical activity, and side effects. Like many other classes of drugs that are . . .