[Clinical comparison between alprazolam and lorazepam. A polycentric study in double blind]

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Anxiety disorders are prevalent, necessitating effective pharmacological treatments.
• Benzodiazepines, including alprazolam and lorazepam, are commonly prescribed for anxiety.
• Comparative studies are essential to guide clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of alprazolam versus lorazepam in out-patients with primary anxiety.
• To evaluate the onset of action and overall treatment response.
• To assess the side effect profiles of both medications.

Main Methods:

• Double-blind, randomized design involving 82 out-patients with primary anxiety.
• Flexible dosing: alprazolam (0.75-3 mg/day) and lorazepam (3-12 mg/day).
• Evaluations at weeks 1, 2, and 4 using patient and physician scales.

Main Results:

• Both alprazolam and lorazepam demonstrated comparable efficacy at weeks 2 and 4.
• Lorazepam showed a trend towards faster efficacy at week 1.
• Similar numbers of side effects were reported for both drugs (61 for alprazolam, 57 for lorazepam).

Conclusions:

• Alprazolam and lorazepam are similarly effective for treating primary anxiety disorders by week 4.
• Lorazepam may offer a slightly quicker onset of therapeutic effect.
• Both medications present comparable safety profiles in this patient population.