Tetrazepam is a type of medication that can be prescribed to treat symptoms or types of anxiety disorders, such as an episode of panic attack or a phobia, specifically agoraphobia or the fear of open spaces or crowds. It is, therefore, classified as an anxiolytic drug. It may also be used as a treatment for depression, hallucinosis, and premenstrual tension or syndrome. Tetrazepam’s ability to relax the muscles also makes it an effective medication for epileptic seizures, tremors, and muscle spasms. The drug is often available only through prescription and can be orally taken in either tablet or liquid form.
As a drug, tetrazepam is a type of benzodiazepine, which is categorized as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and acts directly on the brain and the spinal cord. It works by boosting the activity of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits neurons from being discharged. In this way, the brain receives less “messages” and begins to “calm down,” therefore reducing a patient’s anxiety, hallucinations, and muscle tension. The relaxing effect of the drug is often rapid, as tetrazepam is absorbed by the body in 45 minutes or less, and becomes more potent within two hours.
The medication may work effectively for different conditions, but it can also cause some side effects, the most common of which are drowsiness, instability, ad weakness of muscles. Other side effects include headache, temporary vision impairment, and dysarthia or slurred speech. In some cases, a patient may experience some gastrointestinal discomfort, difficulty in urinating, and changes in his libido.
It is also important to note that in some situations, tetrazepam actually produces “paradoxical” side effects. These are the very problems that a patient wants treated, such as anxiety, muscle spasms, and depression. The presence of skin rashes, on the other hand, is often an indication of an allergy to the medication. In either case, patients are advised to immediately discontinue the use of the medication and consult their physicians. Those who have been diagnosed with acute narrow-angle glaucoma and liver-related disorders are generally not allowed to take the drug.
Prolonged intake or large doses of tetrazepam may lead to drug dependence and addiction, so doctors may have to regularly monitor a patient who is taking the medication. Once the condition has been treated, the patient is slowly weaned off from the drug and is advised to gradually lessen the amount of tetrazepam intake. This method will help reduce the incidence of withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and seizures in severe cases.