Abstract: Method and laminated composite for administering short or intermediate half-life benzodiazepines such as alprazolam or triazolam transdermally to treat conditions such as anxiety in the case of alprazolam and insomnia in the case of triazolam. The composite comprises an impermeable backing layer and a reservoir layer containing the benzodiazepine and a permeation enhancer combined with a solvent-based acrylic polymer adhesive with the amounts of benzodiazepine and enhancer being sufficient to cause the benzodiazepine to pass through the skin at a rate in excess of about one .mu.g/cm.sup.2 /hr.