Diclazepam

• 2'-chloro-diazepam

A 2-chloro derivative of diazepam which is not licensed for medicinal use.

Benzodiazepines commonly cause drowsiness, ataxia, dysarthria and nystagmus. Coma, hypotension, bradycardia and respiratory depression occasionally occur but are seldom serious if these drugs are taken alone. Coma usually lasts only a few hours but may be prolonged in elderly patients. Benzodiazepine respiratory depressant effects are more serious in patients with severe chronic obstructive airways disease. Severe effects in overdose also include rhabdomyolysis and hypothermia. Co-ingestion of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants potentiates the effects of benzodiazepines and can increase toxicity.