The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for intranasal delivery of a benzodiazepine. The composition may contain a therapeutically effective amount of a benzodiazepine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a permeation enhancer. The permeation enhancer may be propylene glycol or a Hsieh permeation enhancer. The present compositions have excellent bioavailability. After administration of the present compositions, therapeutically effective plasma levels of the benzodiazepine may be achieved rapidly. The present pharmaceutical composition may be used to treat a patient suffering from anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia, agitation, seizures, muscular disorders, alcohol dependence, and drug withdrawal.
