DOUBLE-BLIND COMPARISON OF ALPRAZOLAM AND DIAZEPAM FOR SUB-CHRONIC WITHDRAWAL FROM ALCOHOL

Abstract

The efficacy and safety of a new triazolobenzodiazepine, alprazolam, was compared to diazepam in 46 alcoholics in a double-blind study. The drugs were administered for 21 days starting on the 5th day after the last drink. The mean optimal daily oral dose of alprazolam was 2.2 mg and of diazepam 20.2 mg given in a t.i.d. [3 times per day] fashion. Alprazolam was as effective as diazepam in the relief of anxiety as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Physician''s Global Impressions, Patient''s Global Impressions, Hopkins Symptom Checklist and Target Symptoms Record. At the end of the trial, 95% of patients in both groups experienced moderate to marked therapeutic effect and felt much or very much better as compared to the start of the study. The number of side effects was similar in both groups and they were mostly described by patients as mild.