The neuro-endocrine impact of 3-hydroxy-diazepam (temazepam) in women

Abstract

The benzodiazepines have been considered largely free of neuro-endocrine effect. However, in a double-blind, random assignment, placebo controlled study of six young women in the first half of their menstrual cycle oral temazepam (20 mg) was found to significantly lower plasma cortisol and raise plasma prolactin. The impact on cortisol was significant at 40 min and persisted for 3 h (PP<0.05). No impact on FSH or LH was noted. These findings are compatible with recent reports of γ-aminobutyric acid and benzodiazepine binding sites in human pituitary tissue. The positive and negative aspects of these findings for the clinician are discussed. This research has important implications for biological studies such as the dexamethasone suppression test, since the patients involved are commonly allowed benzodiazepine treatment.