Distinguishing itself from other
benzodiazepine drugs,
oxazepam has an interesting pharmacological and clinical profile, including binding effects on the translocator
protein (TSPO) and a relatively favorable safety and abuse liability profile. TSPO is found in the brain (where it is involved in
neurosteroid synthesis), but is also expressed in the heart and other peripheral tissues.
Oxazepam is potentially useful in the treatment of
substance abuse, especially in conjunction with the
cortisol synthesis inhibitor
metyrapone, and can be considered an appropriate medication to use in the treatment of depression. The
oxazepam/
metyrapone combination has been piloted in
cocaine-dependent patients and should be investigated in patients with depression. Expression of cardiac TSPO is altered by different stress conditions, and drugs binding to TSPO may have cardioprotective effects. The possibility of
oxazepam, alone or together with
antidepressant drugs, having a positive effect on cardiac function in patients with depression should also be studied. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54(5), 21-24.].