In 1989, New York State ruled that benzodiazepines should be dispensed as controlled substances, with regulations requiring triplicate prescription forms. However, prescribing trends changed when after more than 20 years of use the medical community focused on the possibility of dependency and addiction. These drugs are more potent but less sedating than meprobamate and are vastly safer in overdose.įor many years, benzodiazepines were among the most frequently prescribed medications in the United States. 2 However, that success was nothing compared with the debut of benzodiazepines, beginning with chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Limbitrol) in 1960, diazepam (Valium, Diazepam Intensol) in 1963, and eventually more than 10 other variations available by prescription. Meprobamate (Miltown, MB-Tab) was introduced in 1955 and became an overnight sensation-the first psychotropic 'wonder drug' in medical history. Early in the 20th century, barbiturates promised relief for the anxious but had the risk of addiction and death from overdose.

Before benzodiazepines, alcohol and opiates were used for centuries to numb anxiety.

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