An Overview on Total Analytical Methods for the Detection of 1,4-Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines (BDZs) are the chemicals having the versatile medicinal values. These are the type of psychotropic drug, that is, they concern the mind and can amend frame of mind. Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and are subsequently used therapeutically as anxiolytics, tranquilizers, hypnotics, anticonvulsants in epilepsy and centrally acting muscle relaxants. Benzodiazepines (BDZs) are generally commonly used as anxiolytic and/or hypnotic drugs as a ligand of the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor. Moreover, some of benzodiazepines are widely used as an anti-depressive and sedative drugs, and also as anti-epileptic drugs and in some cases can be useful as an adjunct treatment in refractory epilepsies or anti-alcoholic therapy. The widespread use of this class of drugs has occasionally raised concern about recreational benzodiazepine abuse and has led to the erroneous impression that benzodiazepines have a relatively high abuse liability among recreational drug users. The abuse or misuse of benzodiazepines is internationally widespread which means that any forensic laboratory may encounter a range of these compounds. In general, benzodiazepines encountered in the illicit market are diverted from legitimated sources. Benzodiazepine derivatives are prescribed in large quantities globally and are potentially new emerging environmental contaminants [1]. Analysts should be aware of the particular benzodiazepines commonly available in their area as well as the characteristics and methodologies for their identification and analysis. Because of the high consumption of benzodiazepines worldwide, this class of drugs and their metabolites are frequently present in both clinical and forensic cases. For these reasons, the analysis of benzodiazepines and their metabolites in biological fluids is of great interest to clinicians and forensic toxicologists.