HomeResourcesDrugsTypes of DrugsBenzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are a type of medication known as tranquilizers or minor tranquilizers, as opposed to the major tranquilizers used to treat psychosis. Familiar names of these drugs include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan),clonazepam (Klonopin), and alprazolam (Xanax).