Estazolam, a triazolobenzodiazepine derivative, is an oral hypnotic agent with anticonvulsant, hypnotic, and muscle relaxant properties. It has been shown in some cases to be more potent than diazepam or nitrazepam. Benzodiazepines bind nonspecifically to benzodiazepine receptors, which affects affects muscle relaxation, anticonvulsant activity, motor coordination, and memory. As benzodiazepine receptors are thought to be coupled to gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors, this enhances the effects GABA by increasing GABA affinity for the GABA receptor. Binding of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA to the site opens the chloride channel, resulting in a hyperpolarized cell membrane that prevents further excitation of the cell. Used for the short-term management of insomnia characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and/or early morning awakenings. Marketed under the brand names ProSom, Eurodin.

Flunitrazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine with general properties similar to those of diazepam. It is generally intended to be for short-term treatment for chronic or severe insomniacs who are unresponsive to other hypnotics. The main pharmacological effects of Flunitrazepam are the enhancement of GABA at the GABAA receptor. The physical effects of Flunitrazepam include sedation, muscle relaxation, decreased anxiety, and prevention of convulsions. It causes partial amnesia; individuals are unable to remember certain events that they experience while under the influence of the drug. Chronic use of Flunitrazepam can result in physical dependence and the appearance of a withdrawal syndrome when the drug is discontinued. Flunitrazepam impairs cognitive and psychomotor functions affecting reaction time and driving skill. The use of this drug in combination with alcohol is a particular concern as both central nervous system depressants potentiate each other's toxicity.

Benzodiazepines represent a group of two-ring heterocyclic compounds consisting of a benzene ring fused to a diazepine ring. Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are one of the most widely prescribed pharmacologic agents in the United States (more than 112 million prescriptions in 2007). BZDs are used for numerous indications, including anxiety, insomnia, muscle relaxation, relief from spasticity caused by central nervous system pathology, and epilepsy. BZDs are also used intraoperatively because of their amnesic and anxiolytic properties. However, these properties become undesired side effects in nearly all other clinical instances. BZDs act as positive allosteric modulators on the gamma amino butyric acid (GABA)-A receptor. The GABA-A receptor is a ligand-gated chloride-selective ion channel. Benzodiazepines are a large drug class and have a long history of development, starting with the first FDA-approvals in the 1960s. All benzodiazepines are listed as DEA schedule IV controlled substances. As controlled substances, all benzodiazepines have the potential for abuse, addiction and diversion.

Nimetazepam (Erimin) is an intermediate-acting hypnotic drug which is a benzodiazepine derivative. It was first synthesized in 1962 in Japan. It does possess hypnotic, anxiolytic, sedative, and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. Nimetazepam is also an anticonvulsant. It is sold in 5 mg tablets known as Erimin. It is generally prescribed for the treatment of short-term severe insomnia in patients who have difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep. Nimetazepam is currently a Schedule IV drug under the international Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. In Singapore, nimetazepam is a class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. In Hong Kong, nimetazepam is regulated under Schedule 1 of Hong Kong's Chapter 134 Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. Nimetazepam can only be used legally by health professionals and for university research purposes.

Flunitrazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine with general properties similar to those of diazepam. It is generally intended to be for short-term treatment for chronic or severe insomniacs who are unresponsive to other hypnotics. The main pharmacological effects of Flunitrazepam are the enhancement of GABA at the GABAA receptor. The physical effects of Flunitrazepam include sedation, muscle relaxation, decreased anxiety, and prevention of convulsions. It causes partial amnesia; individuals are unable to remember certain events that they experience while under the influence of the drug. Chronic use of Flunitrazepam can result in physical dependence and the appearance of a withdrawal syndrome when the drug is discontinued. Flunitrazepam impairs cognitive and psychomotor functions affecting reaction time and driving skill. The use of this drug in combination with alcohol is a particular concern as both central nervous system depressants potentiate each other's toxicity.