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Related Experiment Videos

Alprazolam and diazepam: addiction potential.

S Juergens1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Virginia Mason Clinic, Seattle, Washington 98111.

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
|January 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Alprazolam and diazepam, common anxiety medications, carry risks of addiction and severe withdrawal. Alprazolam may cause more intense withdrawal symptoms due to its shorter half-life, warranting caution.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience
  • Addiction Medicine

Background:

  • Alprazolam and diazepam are widely prescribed benzodiazepines for anxiety.
  • Both drugs are frequently mentioned in drug abuse reports.
  • Tranquilizer abuse is a significant public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the addictive potential and withdrawal profiles of alprazolam and diazepam.
  • To highlight the risks associated with the widespread use of these benzodiazepines.

Main Methods:

  • Review of data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) and National Household Survey.
  • Analysis of pharmacokinetic properties, including absorption and half-life.
  • Examination of experimental data on benzodiazepine reinforcement and withdrawal.

Main Results:

  • Both alprazolam and diazepam are rapidly absorbed and reinforce drug-seeking behavior.
  • Alprazolam has a shorter half-life, potentially leading to more severe withdrawal symptoms compared to diazepam.
  • Withdrawal syndromes are characteristic of both drugs, with alprazolam withdrawal potentially being more severe and occurring sooner.

Conclusions:

  • Alprazolam and diazepam possess significant addictive potential.
  • Alprazolam warrants special caution due to its reinforcing properties, severe withdrawal potential, and reported adverse effects.
  • Subtle negative consequences of use may occur with regularity despite reported rarity of adverse effects.

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