Psychopharmacology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
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. ⋯ 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.