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Long term effects of chronic chlordiazepoxide (CDP) administration
Psychopharmacology
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Chronic administration of CDP (chlordiazepine) in rats led to long-term behavioral changes, including increased resistance to extinction and punishment, and reduced susceptibility to seizures. These effects suggest lasting neurochemical alterations from benzodiazepine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia.
- Understanding the long-term behavioral consequences of benzodiazepine use is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term behavioral effects of chronic CDP administration in rats.
- To assess neurochemical changes induced by benzodiazepine treatment.
Main Methods:
- Rats received 12 days of CDP (5 mg/kg/day) or placebo.
- Behavioral testing occurred weeks after drug cessation: extinction and punishment paradigms, and audiogenic seizure susceptibility.
- Metrazol was used to induce seizures.
Main Results:
- CDP-treated rats showed significantly increased resistance to extinction and punishment.
- CDP-treated rats exhibited significantly reduced susceptibility to seizures induced by noise and metrazol.
- These behavioral changes persisted long after drug administration ceased.
Conclusions:
- Chronic benzodiazepine treatment, exemplified by CDP, induces long-lasting neurochemical changes.
- These neurochemical alterations are responsible for the observed persistent behavioral effects.
- The study highlights the potential for enduring behavioral impacts from benzodiazepine therapy.