Uses

Tranxene (clorazepate) belongs to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It is an anxiolytic, which means it has properties that are useful in treating anxiety and panic-related conditions. It is also used in alcohol withdrawal. Apart from these uses, it is also prescribed as an additive in the management of convulsions and epilepsy.

How Does Tranxene Work?

This drug acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors found in various regions of the brain. These receptors are also known as benzodiazepine receptors. The action of Tranxene on GABA receptors increases the inhibitory action of the neurotransmitter in that region of the brain. This action on GABA receptors appears to produce the medication’s anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant actions.

Dosage FAQs

• What is a safe dose of this medication?
  • Anxiety: For individuals experiencing anxiety, an average dose would be administered at 30 mg per day, orally, in divided doses. The dose is then adjusted gradually in the range of 15 mg to 60 mg per day. For elderly individuals, dosage should be adjusted to a maximum of 7.5 mg taken orally in a single dose or divided into two doses throughout the day.
  • Acute Alcohol Withdrawal: The therapy is spread over a period of five days:
    • Day 1: Initial oral dose of 30 mg is administered once, followed by 30 mg to 60 mg in divided doses. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 90 mg.
    • Day 2: A dose between 45 mg to 90 mg is administered orally in divided doses.
    • Day 3: 22.5 mg to 45 mg oral dose is administered in divided doses.
    • Day 4: 15 mg to 30 mg oral dose is administered in divided doses.
    • Day 5: 7.5 mg to 15 mg is administered in divided doses.
    • Tranxene should be discontinued when the person in treatment is stable.
• How is this drug processed in my body?
  Tranxene is well-absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and has a bioavailability of 91%. It is widely distributed and is highly bound to plasma proteins (97-98%). After metabolizing in the liver, it produces the active metabolite desmethyl-diazepam and is further metabolized to oxazepam, both of which are partial agonist of the GABA receptors. The peak plasma levels of Tranxene are reached between 30 minutes and two hours after oral administration. It is removed from the body in the urine.
• Is this drug safe to use if I am pregnant?
  Tranxene may cause an increased risk of congenital malformations if used during the first trimester of pregnancy. It also enters breast milk and should not be used by nursing mothers. If you are pregnant or become pregnant during treatment, be sure to discuss alternative treatments with your health care provider.
• How can I get the most out of my treatment with this medication?
  Various types of psychotherapy are regularly used to treat anxiety and those in treatment for issues related to alcohol dependency. If you are prescribed this drug for either condition, consider finding a therapist or counselor with whom you can pair your medication treatment. Many bodies of research highlight the efficacy of pairing medication with psychotherapy and several studies have demonstrated how this combined treatment approach may lead to better, longer-lasting mental health outcomes.