Attenuation of benzodiazepine withdrawal anxiety in the rat by serotonin antagonists

Abstract

Administration of benzodiazepines is known to be associated with tolerance and a withdrawal syndrome on abrupt cessation. The aetiology of the withdrawal syndrome is not known but a role for the serotonin (5HT) system is suspected. The aim of the current study was to investigate the usefulness of 5-HT 2 antagonists in the treatment of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome in the rat. Male Wistar rats were treated with either diazepam (4 mg/kg) or vehicle for 14 days, then abruptly withdrawn for 24 h. Animals were tested in the social interaction paradigm and elevated plus maze. Some diazepam-withdrawn rats were pre-treated with 5HT2 antagonists 60 min before behavioural testing. Acute withdrawa..