Mechanism of action
These drugs are widely employed as sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics. The incidence of adverse effects is low but Nitrazepam have abuse potential. Nitrazepam when administered cause sedation, hypnosis, muscle relaxation, relieve anxiety and some have anticonvulsant action. Nitrazepam exert its pharmacological effects mainly by potentiation of neural inhibition in CNS which is mediated by GABA. Benzodiazepine Dependence And Withdrawal: Abrupt withdrawal of benzodiazepines may produce confusion, toxic psychosis, convulsions or a condition resembling delirium tremens. This is termed benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. This may not develop up to 3 weeks of withdrawal of a long acting benzodiazepine but may occur within a few hours of withdrawal of a short acting one. These symptoms which are similar to the original problem may promote further prescribing. It is thus recommended that benzodiazepines should be withdrawn gradually in steps ranging from 1/10 to 1/4 of the daily dose every fortnight.