Benzodiazepine Quantiation (Diazepam, Nordiazepam, Temazepam, Oxazepam)

General Information

A benzodiazepine (sometimes colloquially "benzo") is a psychoactive drug whose core chemical structure is the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring.  Diazepam (valium) is frequently employed as an anti-anxiety agent, muscle relaxant or anticonvulsant. It is administered orally or by intramuscular or intravenous injection in single adult doses of 2 - 20 mg and up to 40 mg daily. Diazepam undergoes N-demethylation to nordiazepam, a metabolite at least as active as its parent. Both of these compounds are converted to 3-hydroxy derivatives, temazepam and oxazepam. Both oxazepam (Serax) and temazepam (methyloxazepam, Normison, Restoril) are prescribed as pharmacological agents in their own right.

Adverse effects of benzodiazepine therapy include sedation, confusion and incoordination. Chronic usage may cause physical dependence, and grand mal seizures can occur upon withdrawl.

Please note, this assay is for the quantitative determination of four benzodiazepines (diazepam, nordiazepam, temazepam and oxazepam) in blood. Benzodiazepines (diazepam, nordiazepam, temazepam, oxazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, midazolam & nitrazepam) use may also be detected via our urinary Drugs of Abuse Screen by LC-MS/MS.