diazepam

n. a long-acting benzodiazepine that is used for the management of alcohol withdrawal and as an anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant. It is broken down in the liver to produce a number of metabolites (metabolic products) of varying half-lives, including the active compounds desmethyldiazepam (nordiazepam) and oxazepam. Its complex metabolism and lengthy half-life make diazepam unsuitable for use in older adults and those with liver disease. U.S. trade name (among others): Valium.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

midbrain

n. a relatively small region of the upper brainstem that connects the forebrain and hindbrain. It contains the tectum (and associated inferior and superior colliculi), tegmentum, and substantia nigra. Also called mesencephalon.