Query: Benzodiazepine is a medication.

Relevant passages:
Benzodiazepine <=SEP=> Benzodiazepines ( BZD , BZs ) , sometimes called `` benzos '' , are a class of psychoactive drugs whose core chemical structure is the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring . The first such drug , chlordiazepoxide ( Librium ) , was discovered accidentally by Leo Sternbach in 1955 , and made available in 1960 by Hoffmann -- La Roche , which , since 1963 , has also marketed the benzodiazepine diazepam ( Valium ) . In 1977 benzodiazepines were globally the most prescribed medications .   Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid ( GABA ) at the GABAA receptor , resulting in sedative , hypnotic ( sleep-inducing ) , anxiolytic ( anti-anxiety ) , anticonvulsant , and muscle relaxant properties . High doses of many shorter-acting benzodiazepines may also cause anterograde amnesia and dissociation . These properties make benzodiazepines useful in treating anxiety , insomnia , agitation , seizures , muscle spasms , alcohol withdrawal and as a premedication for medical or dental procedures . Benzodiazepines are categorized as either short - , intermediate - , or long-acting . Short - and intermediate-acting benzodiazepines are preferred for the treatment of insomnia ; longer-acting benzodiazepines are recommended for the treatment of anxiety .   Benzodiazepines are generally viewed as safe and effective for short-term use , although cognitive impairment and paradoxical effects such as aggression or behavioral disinhibition occasionally occur . A minority of people can have paradoxical reactions such as worsened agitation or panic . Long-term use is controversial because of concerns about adverse psychological and physical effects , decreasing effectiveness , and physical dependence and withdrawal . As a result of adverse effects associated with the long-term use of benzodiazepines , withdrawal from benzodiazepines , in general , leads to improved physical and mental health . The elderly are at an increased risk of suffering from both short - and long-term adverse effects , and as a result , all benzodiazepines are listed in the Beers List of inappropriate medications for older adults .   There is controversy concerning the safety of benzodiazepines in pregnancy . While they are not major teratogens , uncertainty remains as to whether they cause cleft palate in a small number of babies and whether neurobehavioural effects occur as a result of prenatal exposure ; they are known to cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn . Benzodiazepines can be taken in overdoses and can cause dangerous deep unconsciousness . However , they are less toxic than their predecessors , the barbiturates , and death rarely results when a benzodiazepine is the only drug taken . When combined with other central nervous system ( CNS ) depressants such as alcoholic drinks and opioids , the potential for toxicity and fatal overdose increases . Benzodiazepines are commonly misused and taken in combination with other drugs of abuse .

Premedication <=SEP=> Premedication is using medication before some other therapy ( usually surgery or chemotherapy ) to prepare for that forthcoming therapy . Typical examples include premedicating with a sedative or analgesic before surgery ; using prophylactic ( preventive ) antibiotics before surgery ; and using antiemetics or antihistamines before chemotherapy .   Premedication before chemotherapy for cancer often consists of drug regimens ( usually 2 or more drugs , e.g. dexamethasone , diphenhydramine and omeprazole ) given to a patient minutes to hours before the chemotherapy to avert side effects or hypersensitivity reactions ( i.e. allergic reactions ) .   Melatonin has been found to be effective as a premedication in both adults and children due to its pharmacological properties of hypnotic , antinociceptive and anticonvulsant which produce effective anxiolosis and sedation . Unlike midazolam melatonin does not impair psychomotor skills or adversely affect the quality of recovery . It has a faster recovery time compared to midazolam and has a reduced incidence of post-operative excitement and results in a reduction in dose required of propofol and thiopental .   Midazolam is effective in children in reducing anxiety associated with separation from parents and induction of anesthesia . Sufentanil is also sometimes used as a premedication . Clonidine is becoming increasingly popular as a premedication for children . One drawback of clonidine is that it can take up to 45 minutes to take full effect . In children , clonidine has been found to be equal to and possibly superior to benzodiazepines as a premedication . It has a more favourable side effect profile . It also reduces the need for an induction agent . It improves post-operative pain relief , is better at inducing sedation at induction , reduces agitated emergence , reduces shivering and post-operative nausea and vomiting and reduces post-operative delirium associated with sevoflurane anaesthesia . Benzodiazepines such as midazolam are more commonly used due largely to a lack of a marketing effort by the pharmaceutical companies . As a result , clonidine is becoming increasingly popular with anesthesiologists . Dexmedetomidine and atypical antipsychotic agents are other premedications which are used particularly in very uncooperative children .   Non-drug interventions for children include playing relaxing music , massages , reducing noise and controlling light to maintain the sleep wake cycle . Other non-pharmacological options for children who refuse or can not tolerate premedication include clown doctors ; low sensory stimulation and hand-held video games may also help reduce anxiety during induction of general anesthesia .