From most to least euphoric, in my opinion (note: I’m talking recreational, not therapeutic value):
1. midazolam (insufflated; I don’t IV any pills, and take benzos not soluble in water sublingually or orally)
2. nitrazepam
3. diazepam
4. alprozolam
5. lorazepam
6. clonazepam
7. chlordiazepoxide
I’ve yet to try temazepam, bromazepam, triazolam, or flunitrazepam, although I’ve got a feeling I’d like them.
I find neither clonazepam nor chlordiazepoxide “recreational,” although clonazepam is an effective anxiolytic and chlordiazepoxide is excellent for alcohol withdrawals (better than diazepam, IMO).
For my personal therapeutic use, I prefer diazepam above all else- it has a long half-life, is an effective anxiolytic, has skeletal muscle relaxant properties, and, at least for me, causes no amnesia.
New List:
1. temazepam
2. IV midazolam
3. brotizolam
4. nitrazepam
5. bromazepam
6. diazepam
I really like hypnotics, and I seem to have a natural tolerance to their sleep-inducing effects. The first time I took temazepam, I took five 30mg capsules over the course of a few hours; no sleepiness, just bliss.