AN EVALUATION OF ALPRAZOLAM AS A PREOPERATIVE ANXIOLYTIC AGENT

We performed an open evaluation of alprazolam as a hypnotic agent give n the night before operation and as a preoperative anxiolytic agent in 105 patients undergoing different types of surgery and anaesthesia. F ive groups of patients were studied. The first group was treated using an empirical dosage schedule. Subsequent patients were treated using schedules based on the results of subjective (patient evaluation of th e quality of sleep) and more objective measurements: effects on the ca rdiovascular system, respiratory rate, skin temperature, evaluation of sleep by the nurse, evaluation by the anaesthetist both of anxiolysis and the quality of recovery and recovery time. We found that the most effective dosage schedule takes into consideration both age and body weight: > 70 years old: hypnotic 0.5 mg preoperative anxiolytic 0.5 mg less than or equal to 70 years old and weighing less than or equal to 70 kg: hypnotic 0.5mg preoperative anxiolytic 0.5 mg less than or equ al to 70 years old and weighing > 70 kg: hypnotic 1.0 mg preoperative anxiolytic 0.5 mg Our results indicate that alprazolam is an effective hypnotic and preoperative anxiolytic agent which was safe when used i n these doses.