The relative efficacy of high-dose buspirone and alprazolam in the treatment of panic disorder: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.
This 8-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial investigated the relative efficacy and safety of alprazolam and buspirone in the treatment of panic disorder. Alprazolam (mean +/- SD dose 5.2 +/- 2.6 mg) produced a rapid and sustained improvement in panic attacks, anxiety, phobias, and disability and was superior to buspirone (mean +/- SD dose 61 +/- 26.5 mg) and placebo on all of these measures on completer (n = 85) and endpoint analysis (n = 92). Although higher doses of buspirone were used in this study than in previous trials, buspirone was not superior to placebo on any of the outcome measures. The results were disappointing in light of buspirone's benign side effect profile and low abuse potential.
Institute for Research in Psychiatry, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa.
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Sheehan
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Raj
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Harnett-Sheehan
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Soto
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Knapp
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000525:Alprazolam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002065:Buspirone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010919:Placebos; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010919:Placebos; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002065:Buspirone; D000525:Alprazolam