Phenazepam is a drug of the benzodiazepine class, which sedative properties are more powerful than those of other tranquilizers of the same class. Nonetheless, all of the benzodiazepines work in similar way. These substances are depressants of the central nervous system (CNS) that impact on the brain, affecting directly the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor system. However, their action do not stop here, but keep interacting with other neurotransmitters located in the brain.
Length of Action
While primary effects of phenazepam are mild sedation and anxiety reduction, what differentiate this drug from other benzodiazepines is the length of action this substance produces. Most drugs of this class are short acting substances, as opposite to phenazepam, which is a long acting drug with a half-life that could last up to 100 hours. Half-life refers to the number of hours the body requires to metabolize half percent of the chemical. Therefore, phenazepam has a half-life that is ten times longer that all other benzodiazepines.
Therapeutic Use
Many drug abusers believe that drugs used in medical treatments have to be good as recreational drugs. However, the therapeutic properties of phenazepam do not exempt users from suffering suffocation if snorted, or abused in any other way. This drug is also used to avoid seizures that may occur after abrupt alcohol discontinuation, hence commonly administered as a treatment for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Nonetheless, this initial therapeutic use of phenazepam may become an addiction if this chemical is abused.
Phenazepam works directly at a brain level, and interacts with the neurotransmitters this organ produces. Interaction of benzodiazepines are similar among one another, but what makes them different is the potency of sedations each one produces. Even though, it is never advisable mix this type of drugs among them, nor with other depressants of the CNS including alcohol.
