[Alprazolam versus lorazepam in the treatment of anxiety: controlled clinical study]

58 patients suffering from anxiety neurosis were divided into two groups, matched for age, sex, marital status and symptomatology. In a double-blind trial of 4 weeks' duration one group (28 patients) received alprazolam 0.75-3 mg/day and the other (30 patients) received lorazepam 3-12 mg/day. Both groups showed a steady and significant reduction in anxiety levels as measured by Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression scores at 0, 1, 2 and 4 weeks. However, there was no significant difference in measured anxiety levels between the two groups at any stage. Fewer side effects were reported in the alprazolam treatment group, with the mental confusion symptom occurring significantly less often.