Abstract
The plasma diazepam, N-demethyldiazepam, and free oxazepam concentrations were studied in 12 neurotic outpatients during subchronic use, in 14 outpatients after chronic use, and in 8 test subjects after an acute intravenous administration. There are several reasons for believing that diazepam may induce its own metabolism in man:
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1.
The decrease in diazepam and N-demethyldiazepam concentrations in the plasma after 1–6 weeks therapy.
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2.
Comparatively low plasma diazepam concentrations in patients who had taken diazepam for several months or years.
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3.
Much higher concentrations of N-demethyldiazepam, the main metabolite, after intravenously given diazepam in chronic users of diazepam as compared to controls.
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4.
The decrease in the ability to form N-demethyldiazepam after abstinence, when diazepam was administered intravenously to a chronic user of diazepam before and after the abstinence of the drug.
Diazepam should be administered in small doses and for short periods of time only, or intermittently.
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Kanto, J., Iisalo, E., Lehtinen, V. et al. The concentrations of diazepam and its metabolites in the plasma after an acute and chronic administration. Psychopharmacologia 36, 123–131 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00421784
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00421784