[Role of GABA-ergic and dopaminergic mechanisms in the withdrawal syndrome after discontinuation of long-term phenazepam administration].

It has been shown that depakin, a GABA-ergic agonist, and alpha-methyl-DOPA that inhibits catecholamine synthesis are capable of removing the withdrawal syndrome (disturbed pavlovian behavior pattern and aggressiveness) occurring after discontinuance of long-term administration (30 days) of phenazepam to rats in a dose of 2 mg/kg. In contrast, bicucullin, a blocker of GABA-ergic receptors, thiosemicarbazide that inhibits GABA synthesis by the brain, disulfiram and 3,4-dioxyphenylalanine that increase dopamine and noradrenaline content in the barain aggravate the withdrawal syndrome after phenazepam is discontinued. The data obtained suggest a role of GABA-ergic and dopaminergic mechanisms in the emergence of the withdrawal syndrome after discontinuance of long-term administration of benzdiazepins.