Midazolam and diazepam belong to which drug class?

• A. Opioids
• B. Benzos
• C. Dissociatives
• D. Anticholinergics

Answer: (B)

Midazolam and diazepam are benzodiazepines, a class of drugs that potentiate the inhibitory effects of GABA in the central nervous system. By enhancing GABA’s action at the GABA-A receptor, they increase chloride influx into neurons, making neurons less excitable. This results in calming effects, sedation, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant properties. This mechanism and clinical profile distinguish them from opioids (pain relief through opioid receptors), dissociatives (which disrupt thalamocortical processing and can cause dissociation), and anticholinergics (which block acetylcholine receptors and can cause delirium and dry mouth).