EEG changes induced by oxiracetam on diazepam-medicated volunteers

The present study was carried out in order to verify whether, in benzodiazepine-medicated healthy volunteers, oxiracetam retained the properties already observed after administration in normal volunteers. In a cross-over study, 12 volunteers, medicated the night before with 5 mg diazepam, were i.v. treated with 1 g oxiracetam or saline. An electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed before, and 15 and 120 min after, nootropic or saline injection. Computerized examination of the EEG traces showed an increase of the alpha- and a decrease of the delta-relative activities, particularly in the fronto-temporal regions. These preliminary results suggest that oxiracetam might be useful in benzodiazepine-treated patients by improving their cognitive activities without nullifying the sedation of anxiety and neurotic behavior.