Precipitated and spontaneous withdrawal in baboons after chronic dosing with lorazepam and CGS 9896

In order to assess the ability of lorazepam (20 mg/kg/day) and CGS 9896 (100 mg/kg/day) to produce physical-dependence in baboons, the occurrence of Ro 15-1788 precipitated withdrawal signs and spontaneous withdrawal signs were determined. Lorazepam-treated baboons displayed precipitated withdrawal signs following the administration of Ro 15-1788 (5 mg/kg), and displayed mild to moderate spontaneous withdrawal signs following termination of drug treatment. CGS 9896-treated baboons did not display Ro 15-1788 precipitated withdrawal signs and displayed either no or only mild spontaneous withdrawal signs.