Alprazolam in the treatment of neurotic anxiety

Abstract

A double-blind study was carried out in 30 hospital out-patients suffering from moderate to severe neurotic anxiety to compare the efficacy and tolerance of alprazolam and placebo. Patients were allocated at random to receive alprazolam, in a dosage of 0.5 to 1 mg 3-times daily, or placebo over a 4-week period. The results of assessments using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and global impressions of response to treatment by both physician and patients showed alprazolam to be superior to placebo in the relief of symptoms. Side-effects were infrequent: only 3 of the 15 patients in the alprazolam group reported mild or moderate drowsiness.