[Therapy of autonomic disorders by xanax (alprazolam)]

The paper presents an open noncomparative investigation of 36 patients with different manifestations of the syndrome of autonomic dystonia. 20 patients (group 1) had permanent autonomic disorder in context of generalyzed anxious disorders, 16 patients (group 2) had panic attacks. The examination was performed before and 4 weeks after monotherapy with xanax (1.5-2.5 mg/day). Clinical-neurologic study estimated both presence and a degree of manifestations of the syndrome of autonomic dysfunction, hyperventilatory syndrome and sleep disorders. Psychologic investigation included estimation of anxiety according to Spilberg's test, depression according to Beck's scale; SCL Scale was also used. Algesic syndrome was estimated by complex algesic questionnaire. Neurophysiologic study determined a contingent negative deviation and nociceptive flexory reflex. A positive therapeutic activity of xanax was established. The highest therapeutic effect was achieved in group 1 (83%) using lower doses (1.5 mg/day). In group 2 higher doses were needed (2.5 mg/day). In this case the effect was achieved in 83% of the cases, but full absence of panic attacks was observed only in 25% of the patients. Predictors of the drug's efficiency appeared to be short duration of the disease, slight manifestation of depression and absence of the algesic syndrome.