Some behavioral effects of chlorodesmethyldiazepam and lorazepam.

Two benzodiazepine derivatives, chlorodesmethyldiazepam (CDD) and lorazepam (LOR) were compared in rats and mice in some behavioral tests. Both compounds similarly depressed audiogenic seizures, facilitated the behavior suppressed by punishment (conflict test) and produced muscle relaxant and sedative effects as measured in a rota-rod test. In low and moderate doses CDD paradoxically increased shock-induced fighting while in a higher dose it strongly reduced this behavioral pattern.