Clobazam, a 1,5-benzodiazepine, and car-driving ability

1 The effects of clobazam, a new anxiolytic agent (a 1,5-benzodiazepine) on car-driving ability and other tests of psychomotor performance were investigated in a double-blind, cross-over study v. placebo in normal volunteers. 2 Clobazam (20 mg) or placebo was given nightly for six nights to ten volunteers and subjective ratings of sleep and subjective and objective assessments of behaviour and psychomotor performance on the morning following drug ingestion were recorded. 3 Clobazam significantly improved the subjective ratings of sleep induction and quality of induced sleep. 4 Clobazam did not significantly impair performance in a variety of psychomotor tests and car-driving ability. 5 The validity of the measures used and the relevance of the findings to real life car-driving situations are discussed.