A double blind comparison of alprazolam, diazepam and placebo in the treatment of anxious out-patients.
The anxiolytic effects of alprazolam, a triazolobenzodiazepine, were evaluated in a double-blind 28-day comparison with diazepam and placebo in 46 out-patients suffering from anxiety states of moderate to severe intensity. Alprazolam 1.5-3 mg per day was found to be of at least equivalent anxiolytic effect to 15-30 mg diazepam per day, and there was evidence of antidepressant activity by alprazolam, but not diazepam, in neurotic depression. Side-effects occurred least often with alprazolam and were minor in nature. Laboratory data showed no changes attributable to alprazolam even in a patient who swallowed 15 capsules (7.5 mg). It was concluded that alprazolam is a safe and effective anxiolytic which is well-tolerated and also shows some antidepressant activity.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000525:Alprazolam; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003975:Diazepam / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D003975:Diazepam; D000525:Alprazolam