URINE FOR BENZODIAZEPINE

Benzodiazepines are the most prescribed drug for their sedative and anxiolytic effects. Long term use of benzodiazepines poses a risk of dependence and abuse. Benzodiazepines given by themselves or in combination with other drugs, particularly narcotic analgesics are among the most widely abused drugs. Benzodiazepines can be divided into four groups based on their elimination half lives: Ultra short acting; Short acting (t1/2 <6 hours) eg Midazolam, Flurazepam, Triazolam etc.; Intermediate acting (t1/2 6-24 hours) eg Flunitrazepam; Long acting (t1/2 >24 hours) eg Diazepam, Alprazolam, Chlordiazepoxide, Lorazepam, Oxazepam etc.