Regional distribution of diazepam and its metabolites in the brain of cat after chronic treatment.

Repeated administration of diazepam leads to remarkable accumulation of N-desmethyldiazepam in white matter structures and in subcortical areas such as thalamus, hypothalamus, and hypophysis. Diazepam and the hydroxylated metabolites were present in lesser amounts. The distribution pattern of diazepam and N-desmethyldiazepam offers a rationale for its efficacy in inhibiting seizures spreading and for the lack of effect on primary foci discharges.