Phenazepam
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| Clinical data | |
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| ATC code |
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| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Elimination half-life | 60 hours[1] |
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| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.207.405 |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C15H10BrClN2O |
| Molar mass | 349.609 g·mol−1 |
| Density | 1.61 g/cm³ g/cm3 |
Phenazepam is a benzodiazepine drug, which was developed in Soviet Union and now produced in Russia and some CIS countries. Phenazepam is used in the treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, alcohol withdrawal syndrome and insomnia. It can be used as a premedication before surgery as it augments the effects of anesthetics and reduces anxiety.
Dosage
An average phenazepam dosage is 0.5 mg 2-3 times daily. The maximum daily dosage must not exceed 10 mg.
Side effects
Side effects include dizziness, loss of coordination and drowsiness, along with anterograde amnesia which can be quite pronounced at high doses. As with other benzodiazepines, in case of abrupt discontinuation following prolonged use, severe withdrawal symptoms may occur including restlessness, anxiety, insomnia and convulsions.
Contraindications and special caution
Benzodiazepines require special precaution if used in the elderly, during pregnancy, in children, alcohol or drug-dependent individuals and individuals with comorbid psychiatric disorders.[2]
Legal status
Phenazepam does not appear in the list of Controlled Substances in the Laws of either the USA or the UK, where in each country, benzodiazepines are generally Class C, Schedule IV substances.
In the United States the Controlled Substance Analogue Act applies only to substances in Schedule I and Schedule II. To this date there are no benzodiazepines in either of these schedules, and as such, all benzodiazepines not explicitly scheduled fall outside the analogue act.
Phenazepam is considered a narcotic in Norway, being a derivate of other narcotic benzodiazepines.
As of a result in a trial in Trondheim, Norway in late 2009 the judges could not find proof that Phenazepam is to be considered a narcotic substances.[3]
The public prosecutor has appealed the case to the Supreme Court. If the result stands, Phenazepam is not reckoned as an illegal drug in Norway any more.
See also
References
- ^ Species differences in phenazepam kinetics and metabolism, National Center for Biotechnology Information, USA
- ^ Authier, N.; Balayssac, D.; Sautereau, M.; Zangarelli, A.; Courty, P.; Somogyi, AA.; Vennat, B.; Llorca, PM.; Eschalier, A. (2009). "Benzodiazepine dependence: focus on withdrawal syndrome". Ann Pharm Fr. 67 (6): 408–13. doi:10.1016/j.pharma.2009.07.001. PMID 19900604.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ http://www.adressa.no/nyheter/nordtrondelag/article1418128.ece
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