Best Benzodiazepine for depressive disorder
Top-rated pick: Temazepam — pharmaranks score 72/100, the highest of the 6 Benzodiazepine drugs used for depressive disorder, ranked by our independent FDA recall-safety score. Compare them with all treatments for depressive disorder or the full Benzodiazepine class. Not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 6 benzodiazepine drugs we rate for depressive disorder, all are available as lower-cost generics, and most are capsule. Our ranking reflects each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for depressive disorder; 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.
Other drug classes for depressive disorder
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Top benzodiazepine for depressive disorder: 1. Temazepam · 2. Lorazepam · 3. Ativan
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Capsule | Generic | $3 | View → | |
| 2 | 70/100 | Prescription | Injectable | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 3 | 68/100 | Prescription | Injectable | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 4 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Capsule | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 6 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $1 | View → |
Full ranking · 6 drugs
temazepam
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat Depressive Disorder, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders, Panic Disorder.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$2.37/30· 4 forms Save up to 72% in classlorazepam
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat Anxiety Disorders, Catatonia, Depressive Disorder, Partial Epilepsies.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$1.00/30· 5 forms Save up to 34% in classativan
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Ativan (Lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat Anxiety Disorders, Catatonia, Depressive Disorder, Partial Epilepsies.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$1.00/30· 5 forms Save up to 34% in class
loreev xr
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Loreev XR (Lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat Anxiety Disorders, Catatonia, Depressive Disorder, Partial Epilepsies.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$1.00/30· 5 forms Save up to 34% in class
xanax
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Xanax (Alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat Agoraphobia, Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.68/30· 8 formsxanax xr
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Xanax XR (Alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat Agoraphobia, Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.68/30· 8 formsFrequently asked
- What is the best benzodiazepine for depressive disorder?
- By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — temazepam ranks highest among Benzodiazepine drugs used for depressive disorder. Always consult a professional.
- Which benzodiazepine drugs treat depressive disorder?
- pharmaranks lists 6 Benzodiazepine products used for depressive disorder, 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.