Nordazepam

Nordazepam (marketed under brand names Nordaz, Stilny, Madar, Vegesan, and Calmday), also known as desoxydemoxepam, nordiazepam and desmethyldiazepam, is a 1,4-benzodiazepine derivative. Like other benzodiazepine derivatives, it has anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant and sedative properties. However, it is used primarily in the treatment of anxiety. It is an active metabolite of diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, prazepam, pinazepam, and medazepam.

Side effects
Common side effects of nordazepam include somnolence, which is more common in elderly patients and/or people on high dose regimens. Hypotonia, which is much less common, is also associated with high doses and/or old age.

Contraindications and special caution
Benzodiazepines require special precaution if used in the elderly, during pregnancy, in children, alcohol- or drug-dependent individuals and individuals with comorbid psychiatric disorders.

Pharmacology
Nordazepam is a partial agonist at the benzodiazepine receptor, which makes it less potent than other benzodiazepines. The elimination half life is between 36 and 200 hours.

Abuse
Nordazepam and other sedative hypnotic drugs are detected frequently in cases of people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. Zolpidem and zopiclone are also found in high numbers of suspected drugged drivers. Many drivers have blood levels far exceeding the therapeutic dose range suggesting a high degree of abuse potential for benzodiazepines and zolpidem and zopiclone. (Note: Zolpidem and Zopiclone are not Benzodiazepines, but rather nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic drugs intended for sleep, nonetheless they are GABAergic drugs that impair cognitive function to a degree dangerous for driving; all CNS depressants have the ability to severely impair motor function, reaction time, and judgement.)