Prazepam

Prazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative drug developed by Warner-Lambert in the 1960s. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. Prazepam is a prodrug for desmethyldiazepam which is responsible for the therapeutic effects of prazepam.

Pharmacology

Prazepam acts as a prodrug to desmethyldiazepam, a major active metabolite of diazepam. It is quickly absorbed by the body and metabolized into desmethyldiazepam, which then acts on the GABA receptor to produce its therapeutic effects. The drug has a half-life of 36 to 200 hours, which means its effects can last for a long time.

Medical uses

Prazepam is primarily used for the treatment of anxiety disorders. It can also be used for the short-term relief of symptoms related to anxiety, or to help manage anxiety that is associated with insomnia. Prazepam is also used in some cases to treat epilepsy and irritable bowel syndrome.

Side effects

Like other benzodiazepines, prazepam can cause a number of side effects. These can include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and ataxia. In some cases, it can also cause more serious side effects such as dependence and withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped suddenly.

See also

• Benzodiazepine
• Diazepam
• Desmethyldiazepam