The Birth of Benzodiazepines...
... was documented by Leo H. Sternbach, discoverer of Chlordiazepoxide in his text "The Discovery of Librium" (1972). In this text, he describes the chemical properties of the drug using its commercial name Librium and of its "improved version", Diazepam known as Valium.
Librium was introduced to the general public in 1960, Valium in 1963.
Sternbach reveals his enthusiasm for his discoveries, highlighting their possible uses and not making a mention of possible negative side-effects.
"Within a few days this compound was found to possess very pronounced pharmacological properties coupled with very low toxicity. It had a particularly interesting spectrum in tests indicating CNS depressant activity. The 'inclined screen' test showed strong muscle relaxant and sedative properties in the mouse. The anti- Metrazol and electroshock tests indicated potent anticonvulsant properties. Strong muscle relaxation was also observed in the unanesthetized cat." (ibid. 193)














