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Lorazepam and diazepam in anxious outpatients. A controlled study
International Pharmacopsychiatry
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Lorazepam and diazepam effectively reduced anxiety symptoms in outpatients compared to placebo. However, lorazepam caused more sedation, particularly in less anxious patients, while diazepam dosage may need adjustment based on anxiety severity.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are prevalent, necessitating effective pharmacological treatments.
- Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and diazepam are commonly prescribed for anxiety.
- Understanding differential drug responses and side effects is crucial for optimizing patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and tolerability of lorazepam, diazepam, and placebo in anxious neurotic outpatients.
- To investigate factors influencing treatment response, including sedation and initial symptom severity.
Main Methods:
- A 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 134 anxious neurotic outpatients.
- Assessment of symptom reduction and side effects (sedation) for lorazepam, diazepam, and placebo groups.
Main Results:
- Both lorazepam and diazepam demonstrated significantly greater symptom reduction than placebo.
- Lorazepam was more effective in patients with higher initial anxiety and without sedation complaints.
- Sedation was a more prominent and disturbing side effect with lorazepam compared to diazepam.
Conclusions:
- Lorazepam and diazepam are effective anxiolytics, but patient-specific factors influence optimal use.
- Dosage adjustments are suggested: 3 mg/day lorazepam may be excessive for mild anxiety, while 15 mg/day diazepam might be insufficient for severe anxiety.
- Careful consideration of sedation as a side effect is warranted, especially with lorazepam.