Anxiolytic Efficacy of Alprazolam Compared to Diazepam and Placebo

Abstract

The anxiolytic effects of alpraxolam (0.5–3.0 mg), diazepam (5–60 mg) and placebo were evaluated in eighty-six out-patients suffering from moderate to severe psychoneurotic anxiety in this 28-day, double-blind study. Efficacy was evaluated using five rating instruments, three rated by the physician (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Physician's Global Impressions and Target Symptoms) and two by the patients (Self-Rating Symptom Scale and Patient's Global Impressions). Alprazolam was more effective than placebo on all five measures of efficacy and, on several parameters, more effective than diazepam as well. The incidence of side-effects was lowest in the alprazolam group and decreased steadily over the course of the study, whereas the incidence in the diazepam and placebo groups remained relatively unchanged.