Bentazepam (also known as Thiadipone, Tiadipona) is a benzodiazepine analog, used as a short-action anxiolytic. Bentazepam a thienodiazepine with the same main mechanism of action as the classic 1,4-benzodiazepines, is a short-action anxiolytic, with an elimination-half-life of 3 to 5 hours in healthy volunteers. Bentazepam possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. A severe benzodiazepine overdose with bentazepam may result in coma and respiratory failure. Adverse effects include dry mouth, somnolence, asthenia, dyspepsia, constipation, nausea and drug-induced lymphocytic colitis has been associated with bentazepam. Severe liver damage and hepatitis has also been associated with bentazepam. Whilst liver failure from bentazepam is considered to be rare, liver function monitoring has been recommended for all patients taking bentazepam.