indication

For the treatment of anxiety disorders.

pharmacology

Prazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative drug. It possesses anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. Benzodiazepines may be habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence), especially when taken for a long time or in high doses.

mechanism of action

Prazepam is believed to stimulate GABA receptors in the ascending reticular activating system. Since GABA is inhibitory, receptor stimulation increases inhibition and blocks both cortical and limbic arousal following stimulation of the brain stem reticular formation.

toxicity

Symptoms of overdose include somnolence, confusion, coma, and diminished reflexes. Respiration, pulse and blood pressure should be monitored.

biotransformation

Hepatic.

half life

36-200 hours

drug interactions

Cimetidine: Cimetidine may increase the effect of the benzodiazepine, prazepam.

Clozapine: Increased risk of toxicity

Indinavir: The protease inhibitor, indinavir, may increase the effect of the benzodiazepine, prazepam.

Nelfinavir: The protease inhibitor, nelfinavir, may increase the effect of the benzodiazepine, prazepam.

Omeprazole: Omeprazole may increase the effect of the benzodiazepine, prazepam.

Tipranavir: Tipranavir may decrease the metabolism and clearance of Prazepam. Consider alternate therapy or monitor for Prazepam toxic effects if Tipranavir is initiated or dose increased.

Triprolidine: The CNS depressants, Triprolidine and Prazepam, may increase adverse/toxic effects due to additivity. Monitor for increased CNS depressant effects during concomitant therapy.

Voriconazole: Voriconazole may increase the serum concentration of prazepam by decreasing its metabolism. Monitor for prazepam toxicity if voriconazole is initiated or dose increased.