DESMETHYLDIAZEPAM Meaning and
Definition
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Desmethyldiazepam is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of benzodiazepines, a group of psychoactive drugs with sedative, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), hypnotic (sleep-inducing), and muscle relaxant properties. It is an active metabolite of the widely prescribed benzodiazepine drug, diazepam, also known by the brand name Valium.
As a metabolite, desmethyldiazepam is formed in the liver through the process of demethylation, where one of the methyl groups of diazepam is removed. It is known to have similar pharmacological effects and properties as diazepam, but its potency and duration of action may differ.
Desmethyldiazepam acts primarily by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits or slows down the activity of nerve cells, leading to a calming and relaxing effect. This compound binds to specific receptors in the brain called GABA receptors, increasing the inhibitory effects of GABA.
Due to its sedative and anxiolytic properties, desmethyldiazepam is commonly used in the medical field to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It can also be utilized as a pre-anesthetic medication to induce relaxation and reduce anxiety before surgical procedures.
It is important to note that desmethyldiazepam, like other benzodiazepines, can lead to sedation, drowsiness, impaired coordination, and cognitive decline. It has a potential for dependence and abuse, and prolonged use should be monitored by a healthcare professional to prevent withdrawal symptoms and addiction.
Common Misspellings for DESMETHYLDIAZEPAM
- sesmethyldiazepam
- xesmethyldiazepam
- cesmethyldiazepam
- fesmethyldiazepam
- resmethyldiazepam
- eesmethyldiazepam
- dwsmethyldiazepam
- dssmethyldiazepam
- ddsmethyldiazepam
- drsmethyldiazepam
- d4smethyldiazepam
- d3smethyldiazepam
- deamethyldiazepam
- dezmethyldiazepam
- dexmethyldiazepam
- desnethyldiazepam
- deskethyldiazepam
- desjethyldiazepam
- desmwthyldiazepam
- desmsthyldiazepam
Etymology of DESMETHYLDIAZEPAM
The word "Desmethyldiazepam" is composed of three distinct components: "desmethyl", "diazepam", and the chemical suffix "-m", indicating a specific variation or modification.
1. "Desmethyl" is derived from the Greek prefix "des-" meaning "removal" or "absence", and "methyl", which refers to a specific chemical group (-CH3) consisting of one carbon atom bound to three hydrogen atoms. In pharmacology, "desmethyl" is commonly used to specify a derivative or metabolite that lacks a methyl group from the original molecule.
2. "Diazepam" is a compound name consisting of two parts: "dia-" from the Greek word "diá" meaning "twice" or "two", and "zepam" which is a common suffix for benzodiazepine drugs.
