Which of the following is a long-acting benzodiazepine?

Valium, known generically as diazepam, is classified as a long-acting benzodiazepine due to its pharmacokinetic properties. It has a longer half-life compared to other benzodiazepines, which allows it to remain in the bloodstream and exert effects over an extended period. This characteristic makes it useful in treating conditions that require prolonged management, such as anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal.

The long half-life of Valium is attributed to its active metabolites, which can contribute to its therapeutic effects even after the parent compound has been metabolized. In contrast, medications like Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) have shorter half-lives, and Restoril (temazepam) is primarily used as a sleep aid with moderate sedation effects. Consequently, Valium's longer duration of action makes it distinctive among the options provided.