Pharmacology - Tranxene (Clorazepate)

[Orchid_Suspiria]

Swim was prescribed this benzo today,does not really know much about it.Anyone with any experiences with this substance?

[Nagognog2]

Bongo, too, had this one prescribed. It was the only benzodiazepine that gave him a severe headache. It joined the alligators in the sewer.

[Orchid_Suspiria]

Well Nag swim shall have to disagree with Mr.Bongo and wonder why he would waste such a nice benzo?It is abit different from say ativan or xanax.It doesn't hit as hard but oh how long the experience lasts!

[Nagognog2]

Well...umm...maybe because it gave him a terrible headache? LOL!

[Orchid_Suspiria]

Well...uhhh that probably is a good reason,though swim has noticed certain medications even give his monkey some nasty effects during the first dose but afterwards they work like a charm.Headaches do suck though,as a suffer of migraines swim can attest to this.One reason swim avoids alcohol like the plague most of the time.However swim and his monkey who is named simply sock monkey will tell you tranxene may infact be one of the most positive benzos around.It has a long half life so would be good for opiate addicts,alcoholics or anyone going through any sort of withdrawal.No it does not have the almost instant euphoria of alprazolam for example but what it does do it does for hours in a more gentle and slow sort of euphoria.Swim has gotten horrid headaches from smoking cannabis before(he will not give this to his monkey because him to masturbate chronically)but swim did not give up cannabis.Swim would say tranxene is the sort of benzo one takes for what it is perscribed for not recreation.

[Jatelka]

Tranxene is Chlorazepate.

The empirical formula is C 16 H 11 ClK 2 N 2 O 4 ; the molecular weight is 408.92.

The compound occurs as a fine, light yellow, practically odorless powder. It is insoluble in the common organic solvents, but very soluble in water. Aqueous solutions are unstable, clear, light yellow, and alkaline.

As with all benzos Chlorazepate has a depressant effect. It has an active metabolite Nordiazepam. The serum half-life ais about 2 days. It is metabolised by the liver and metabolites are excreted in the urine.

Orally administered Chlorazepate is rapidly converted into the active metabolite (by decarboxylation), as a result, there is essentially no circulating parent drug. Nordiazepam has a half-life in the region of 40-50 hours. Plasma levels of Nordiazepam increase proportionally with dose of Chlorazepate administered and show moderate accumulation with repeated doses.

Nordiazepam is further metabolized by hydroxylation. The major urinary metabolite is conjugated oxazepam (3hydroxynordiazepam), and smaller amounts of conjugated p-hydroxynordiazepam and nordiazepam are also found in the urine.

In animal testing, the LD50 could not be determined because of the emetic effects of large doses

Chlorazepate is indicated for the short-term treatment of anxiety, alcohol withdrawal and as an adjunct in partial seizures.

Recommended (therapeutic) dose is 15mg at night, increasing to 60mg (in divided doses) if required.

The side effect most frequently reported was drowsiness. Less commonly reported (in descending order of occurrence) were: dizziness, various gastrointestinal complaints, nervousness, blurred vision, dry mouth, headache, and mental confusion. Other side effects included insomnia, transient skin rashes, fatigue, ataxia, genitourinary complaints, irritability, diplopia, depression, tremor and slurred speech.

There have been reports of abnormal liver and kidney function tests and of decrease in haematocrit. As a result, regular checks are required if Chlorazepate is taken regularly. Decrease in systolic blood pressure has been observed.

As with all sedative hypnotics, Chlorazepate has an additive sedative effect when combined with other downers (including alcohol). It does not have MAOI activity.

As with all benzodiazepines, withdrawal symptoms are observed after abrupt discontinuation of Chlorazepate.

In overdosage Chlorazepate leads to varying degrees of sedation (including coma). Treatment is supportive.

It is contraindicated in glaucoma and in patients known to be hypersensitive to Chlorazepate

(Pulled mostly from rxlist)