Products
Halazepam is commercially available in Portugal (Pacinone tablets) and elsewhere. The original trade name is paxipam. No drugs containing the active ingredient are currently registered in many countries, in Germany, or in the United States.
Structure and properties
Halazepam (C17H12ClF3N2O, Mr = 352.7 g/mol) is structurally closely related to diazepam (Valium). It exists as a white to slightly off-white powder. In the organism, it is metabolized to desmethyldiazepam, which has a long half-life.
Effects
Halazepam (ATC N05BA13) has sedative, antianxiety, sleep-inducing, and anticonvulsant properties. The effects are due to allosteric binding to the postsynaptic GABA receptor, opening of chloride channels, and enhancement of the effects of GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Indications
For the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Dosage
According to the professional information. Tablets are taken between one to four times daily.
Abuse
Halazepam can be abused as a sedative and psychotropic narcotic.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include central disturbances, such as drowsiness, headache, apathy, amnesia, disorientation, and confusion. Other common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances. Like other benzodiazepines, halazepam can be addictive and cause amnesia.
