Best Benzodiazepine for panic disorder
Top-rated pick: Temazepam — pharmaranks score 72/100, the highest of the 7 Benzodiazepine drugs used for panic disorder, ranked by our independent FDA recall-safety score. Compare them with all treatments for panic disorder or the full Benzodiazepine class. Not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 7 benzodiazepine drugs we rate for panic disorder, all are available as lower-cost generics, and most are topical. Our ranking reflects each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for panic 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 panic disorder
Top benzodiazepine for panic disorder: 1. Temazepam · 2. Diazepam · 3. Diastat
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Capsule | Generic | $3 | View → | |
| 2 | 68/100 | Prescription | Injectable | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 3 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Topical | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 4 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Topical | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Spray/Inhaler | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 6 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 7 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $1 | View → |
Full ranking · 7 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 classdiazepam
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 classvaltoco
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 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 panic disorder?
- By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — temazepam ranks highest among Benzodiazepine drugs used for panic disorder. Always consult a professional.
- Which benzodiazepine drugs treat panic disorder?
- pharmaranks lists 7 Benzodiazepine products used for panic 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.