Chapter17 - Novel benzodiazepines

Abstract

This chapter reviews the novel benzodiazepines, and contrasts their pharmacology and use with classic benzodiazepines such as diazepam. The novel benzodiazepines represent a heterogenous group of drugs that are increasing in number as new compounds are continuously developed, and they are being seen with increasing frequency in forensic and drug surveillance programmes as drugs of abuse in recent years. Several compounds with significant differences in their duration of action, mechanism of action and structure are reviewed as examples of key subtypes among the novel benzodiazepines; these are 4’-chlorodiazepam, bentazepam, etizolam, flualprazolam, phenazepam and tofisopam. Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics are reviewed, where known, as well as prevalence of use, and acute and chronic toxicity reports.