Benzodiazepines, plasma MHPG and alpha-2-adrenoceptor function in man.
The effects of a single (15 mg) dose of diazepam, a 3-week course of diazepam (25 mg/d) and its withdrawal on plasma MHPG and the reduction produced by clonidine (1.5 micrograms kg-1 i.v.) were studied in 8 male volunteers. Chronic diagram reduced, but not significantly, plasma MHPG and attenuated the reduction produced Gyclonidine. During the withdrawal phase MHPG levels were significantly enhanced and the lowering produced by clonidine was also greater. These results support the hypothesis that some aspects of benzodiazepine withdrawal may reflect excessive central noradrenergic activity.
D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D003000:Clonidine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003975:Diazepam / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006018:Glycols / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / Q000097:blood*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic / Q000187:drug effects*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000097:blood
D006018:Glycols; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol; D003000:Clonidine; D003975:Diazepam