NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which of the following is a common benzodiazepine?

1. Flumazenil

2. Diazepam

3. Ativan

4. Phenobarbital

The correct answer is: Diazepam

Diazepam is a well-known and commonly prescribed benzodiazepine that is frequently used for its anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant properties. It acts by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor, leading to increased inhibitory effects in the central nervous system. This mechanism makes it effective in treating conditions such as anxiety disorders, seizure activities, muscle spasms, and for sedation during procedures. Flumazenil is actually a benzodiazepine antagonist used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine overdose. Ativan, also known as lorazepam, is indeed another type of benzodiazepine but may not be as commonly recognized as diazepam, which has been in use for a much longer period and is often referred to in pharmacological discussions. Phenobarbital, on the other hand, is a barbiturate, a different class of medication that is used for its sedative and anticonvulsant effects, but it is not categorized as a benzodiazepine.