Description
Halazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. It is a trifluoromethyl derivative of nordazepam. While its structure may be similar to chlordiazepoxide and diazepam, it has both less toxicity and less tendency to cause paradoxical hostility and aggression than either of them. Halazepam is no longer marketed in the United States, and was withdrawn by Schering-Plough due to poor sales. [Wikipedia]
General Information
- Metabolism: Hepatic.
- Uses/Sources: Used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders.
- Health Effects: Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, convulsions, and possible death. They cause slurred speech, disorientation and "drunken" behavior. They are physically and psychologically addictive.
- Symptoms: "Barbs" cause slurred speech, disorientation and "drunken" behavior. They are physically and psychologically addictive.
- Treatment: The patient should be evaluated to determine adequacy of airway, breathing and circulation. Continue clinical observation until evidence of toxicity has resolved. Intravenous access should be available for administration of fluid. Endotracheal intubation, assisted ventilation and supplemental oxygen may be required on rare occasions, more commonly when benzodiazepines are ingested in large amounts or with other CNS depressants. (L1866)
- Route of Exposure: Oral
Mechanism of Action
| Target Name | Mechanism of Action | References |
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Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-2 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-3 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-5 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit beta-1 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit beta-2 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit beta-3 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit delta Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit gamma-2 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit gamma-3 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit pi Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit rho-1 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit rho-2 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit gamma-1 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit rho-3 Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit epsilon GABA-A receptor (anion channel) |
6738302 2867566 |
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Gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-1 Translocator protein |
Benzodiazepines bind nonspecifically to benzodiazepine receptors BNZ1, which mediates sleep, and BNZ2, which affects affects muscle relaxation, anticonvulsant activity, motor coordination, and memory. As benzodiazepine receptors are thought to be coupled to gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors, this enhances the effects of GABA by increasing GABA affinity for the GABA receptor. Binding of GABA to the site opens the chloride channel, resulting in a hyperpolarized cell membrane that prevents further excitation of the cell. |
17016423 17139284 |