Best Benzodiazepine for alcohol withdrawal delirium
Top-rated pick: Diazepam — pharmaranks score 68/100, the highest of the 6 Benzodiazepine drugs used for alcohol withdrawal delirium, ranked by our independent FDA recall-safety score. Compare them with all treatments for alcohol withdrawal delirium or the full Benzodiazepine class. Not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 6 benzodiazepine drugs we rate for alcohol withdrawal delirium, 4 are available as lower-cost generics, and most are topical. Our ranking reflects each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for alcohol withdrawal delirium; the right choice depends on your situation, so confirm it with your prescriber.
How benzodiazepine work
Benzodiazepines boost the brain's main calming chemical, GABA, by binding to the GABA-A receptor and making its chloride channel open more often. This quiets nerve activity, producing sedation, reduced anxiety, muscle relaxation, and protection against seizures.
Top benzodiazepine for alcohol withdrawal delirium: 1. Diazepam · 2. Diastat · 3. Diastat Acudial
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 68/100 | Prescription | Injectable | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 2 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Topical | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 3 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Topical | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 4 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | No data | — | View → | |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | No data | — | View → | |
| 6 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Spray/Inhaler | Generic | $1 | View → |
Full ranking · 6 drugs
diazepam
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium, Muscle Spasticity, Status Epilepticus, Panic Disorder.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.65/30· 8 forms Save up to 14% in classdiastat
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Diastat (Diazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium, Muscle Spasticity, Status Epilepticus, Panic Disorder.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.65/30· 8 forms Save up to 14% in classdiastat acudial
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Diastat Acudial (Diazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium, Muscle Spasticity, Status Epilepticus, Panic Disorder.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.65/30· 8 forms Save up to 14% in classtranxene
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Tranxene (Clorazepate Dipotassium) is a benzodiazepine used to treat Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium, Anxiety Disorders, Partial Epilepsies.
tranxene sd
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Tranxene Sd (Clorazepate Dipotassium) is a benzodiazepine used to treat Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium, Anxiety Disorders, Partial Epilepsies.
valtoco
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Valtoco (Diazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium, Muscle Spasticity, Status Epilepticus, Panic Disorder.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.65/30· 8 forms Save up to 14% in classFrequently asked
- What is the best benzodiazepine for alcohol withdrawal delirium?
- By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — diazepam ranks highest among Benzodiazepine drugs used for alcohol withdrawal delirium. Always consult a professional.
- Which benzodiazepine drugs treat alcohol withdrawal delirium?
- pharmaranks lists 6 Benzodiazepine products used for alcohol withdrawal delirium, per NIH RxClass drug-classification data — each independently rated and ranked above.
- How are these ranked?
- By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.