NCIt definition : A synthetic benzodiazepine derivative with anxiolytic, sedative and hypnotic properties.
Quazepam and its major metabolite 2-oxoquazepam potentiate gamma-aminobutyric acid
(GABA) activity by binding to the benzodiazepine-1 recognition site (BZ-1) within
the GABA-A receptor, located in the limbic, neocortical and mesencephalic reticular
system. This increases the frequency of GABA-activated chloride channel opening events,
allowing the flow of chloride ions into the neuron leading to membrane hyperpolarization
and decreased neuronal excitability.;