Benzodiazepine brand and generic names
Common benzodiazepine pairs
| Brand name | Generic name | Class or type |
|---|---|---|
| Xanax | alprazolam | Benzodiazepines |
| Ativan | lorazepam | Benzodiazepines |
| Klonopin | clonazepam | Benzodiazepines |
| Valium | diazepam | Benzodiazepines |
| Restoril | temazepam | Benzodiazepines |
Understanding benzodiazepines
Duration and indication differ among agents. Clonazepam and diazepam have long half-lives compared with lorazepam and alprazolam in many references—use class guides for pharmacology, this guide for names.
Naming patterns and memory tips
Many generics end in -azepam (diazepam, clonazepam, temazepam) or -olam (alprazolam, lorazepam). Endings suggest the class, not the brand.
Commonly confused benzodiazepine names
Clonazepam and clonidine
Klonopin–clonazepam is a benzodiazepine; Catapres–clonidine is an alpha-2 agonist.
Lorazepam and loratadine
Ativan–lorazepam is a benzodiazepine; Claritin–loratadine is an antihistamine.