Products
Tetrazepam is commercially available in some countries in tablet form. The drug is not registered in many countries. In April 2013, the European Medicines Agency recommended that the drug be withdrawn from the market throughout Europe because very rare severe skin reactions may occur (see below). The benefits do not outweigh the potential risks, according to the EMA.
Structure and properties
Tetrazepam (C16H17ClN2O, Mr = 288.8 g/mol) structurally belongs to the 1,4-benzodiazepines. It exists in the form of yellow-brown crystals.
Effects
Tetrazepam (ATC M03BX07) has muscle-relaxant, sedative, antianxiety, sleep-promoting, and anticonvulsant properties. The effects are due to allosteric binding to the GABA receptor and enhancement of the effects of GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Indications
For the treatment of muscle tension and spastic syndromes.
Adverse effects
Tetrazepam may occasionally cause allergic skin reactions and very rarely severe skin reactions such as erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
