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Alprazolam in older depressed inpatients
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|June 1, 1983
Summary
Alprazolam effectively treated depression in older adults, with most patients showing significant improvement. Drowsiness was the only reported side effect in this safety and efficacy study.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alprazolam, a triazolobenzodiazepine, is recognized for its anxiolytic properties.
- Previous studies indicate its efficacy in treating depression compared to tricyclic antidepressants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alprazolam in elderly patients (aged 56-78) with depression.
Main Methods:
- An open-label study design was employed.
- Eighteen patients with evaluable data were assessed.
- The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) was used to measure depression improvement.
Main Results:
- Twelve patients (66.7%) were classified as responders, achieving >=50% HAM-D improvement.
- Four patients (22.2%) were partial responders (25%-49% HAM-D improvement).
- Two patients (11.1%) were nonresponders.
Conclusions:
- Alprazolam demonstrates efficacy in treating depression in the 56-78 age group.
- The primary side effect observed was initial drowsiness.
- Alprazolam appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for geriatric depression.