A comparison of alpidem and placebo in relieving benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.
Chronic normal-dose benzodiazepine users requesting drug withdrawal were allocated to substitution with either the new anxiolytic alpidem (n = 13) or placebo (n = 12). During the first 2 weeks of the tapering programme, the dose of benzodiazepine was kept constant; for the next 2 weeks it was halved and half-dose alpidem (25 mg twice daily) or placebo substituted; for weeks 5 and 6, the benzodiazepine was discontinued and full-dose alpidem or placebo given; next alpidem or placebo were tapered to half-dose and then finally discontinued. Regular anxiety and tranquillizer withdrawal ratings were made. Nine of 12 patients given placebo withdrew successfully compared with four of 13 alpidem-treated patients. Anxiety and other symptom levels increased in the alpidem but not the placebo patients. It was concluded that alpidem is not helpful in helping patients withdrawing from a benzodiazepine withdrawal perhaps because of partial agonist properties. These actions may imply a lesser propensity to induce dependence on long-term use.
Lader
M
M
Institute of Psychiatry, Denmark Hill, London, UK.
Farr
I
I
Morton
S
S
D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011725:Pyridines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D007093:Imidazoles; D011725:Pyridines; D001569:Benzodiazepines; C052036:alpidem