How Does Clorazepate Work?
Clorazepate is part of a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines have several effects on the body, including:
- Reducing anxiety
- Causing sleepiness
- Relaxing muscles
- Stopping seizures
- Impairing short-term memory.
All medicines in this category can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific benzodiazepine that is being taken. They work by enhancing the effects of
gamma-aminobutyric acid (
GABA), a brain chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why clorazepate and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
Is Clorazepate Used for Children?
Clorazepate is not recommended to be used in children less than nine years old, as it has not been adequately studied in this age group. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children.
Is Clorazepate Used for Off-Label Reasons?
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend clorazepate for something other than the conditions listed in this article. Currently,
off-label clorazepate uses include treating the following conditions:
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Benzodiazepine withdrawal (due to stopping a benzodiazepine medication too quickly).
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