Review of the usage of benzodiazepines

: Benzodiazepines are often prescribed because of their excellent efficacies, safety, and low risks of addiction and tolerance. In this paper, we outline their characteristics, usages and side effects. Benzodiazepines are classified into 4 types, according to their half lives: ultra-short acting, short acting, medium acting, and long acting. When clinicians choose benzodiazepines, their half lives, types of insomnia, and patient's ages and daily livings must be considered. Clinicians should also take cautions for their adverse effects, i.e., carry-over, withdrawal, and muscle relaxant.