Precipitated withdrawal by a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist (Ro 15-1788) after 7 days of diazepam

Science. 1982 Sep 17;217(4565):1161-3. doi: 10.1126/science.6287579.

Abstract

Baboons implanted with intragastric catheters were given diazepam (10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight) twice daily for 45 consecutive days. On days 7 and 35, they were given intramuscular injections of the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist Ro 15-1788. Mild and intermediate withdrawal signs, including retching and vomiting, were observed after 7 days of diazepam, and more frequent and intense withdrawal signs, including tremor and convulsion, occurred after 35 days of diazepam. With the termination of the diazepam injections after 45 days, a mild to intermediate withdrawal syndrome was observed over the next 15-day period.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzodiazepinones / pharmacology*
  • Diazepam / pharmacology*
  • Flumazenil
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Papio
  • Receptors, Drug / drug effects*
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter / drug effects
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Benzodiazepinones
  • Receptors, Drug
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter
  • Flumazenil
  • Diazepam