prazepam

Prazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative developed by Warner-Lambert in the 1960s. It is primarily used for the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders. Prazepam acts as a prodrug that is metabolized into desmethyldiazepam (nordazepam), which mediates most of its therapeutic effects. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant (though less potent than some other benzodiazepines), sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. The drug enhances GABAergic neurotransmission by positively modulating GABA(A) receptors at the benzodiazepine binding site in the brain's ascending reticular activating system. This increases inhibitory effects on cortical and limbic arousal leading to anxiolysis and sedation. Prazepam has a long elimination half-life due to its active metabolite desmethyldiazepam (36-200 hours). It is administered orally as tablets or capsules and undergoes hepatic metabolism.

Brand names

CentraxCentracDemetrinLysanxiaMono DemetrinPozapamPrasepinePrazeneReapamTrepidan

Other names

prazepam