Psychopharmacology: benzodiazepine half-life: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Psychopharmacology: benzodiazepine half-life

Sample item

Which benzodiazepine has the longest elimination half-life because of active metabolites such as desmethyldiazepam?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Diazepam

Diazepam and its active metabolite desmethyldiazepam give a half-life that may reach several days, so accumulation occurs in the elderly. Lorazepam, oxazepam and midazolam are shorter acting.

Option by option

  • A. Lorazepam

    Lorazepam has an intermediate half-life without active metabolites.

  • B. Diazepam (correct)

    Correct. Diazepam has the long-acting active metabolite.

  • C. Oxazepam

    Oxazepam has a short half-life.

  • D. Midazolam

    Midazolam is short acting.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is B, Diazepam. Diazepam and its active metabolite desmethyldiazepam give a half-life that may reach several days, so accumulation occurs in the elderly.

Why is "Lorazepam" not the answer?

Lorazepam has an intermediate half-life without active metabolites.

Why is "Oxazepam" not the answer?

Oxazepam has a short half-life.

Why is "Midazolam" not the answer?

Midazolam is short acting.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychopharmacology: benzodiazepine half-life in Psychiatry. Lorazepam, oxazepam and midazolam are shorter acting.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Psychopharmacology: benzodiazepine half-life?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.