DIAZEPAM VERSUS ALPRAZOLAM FOR THE TREATMENT OF PANIC DISORDER

Background: Alprazolam has proven efficacy as a treatment for panic di sorder, but the place of other benzodiazepines is less well establishe d. Method: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of diazepam and al prazolam for the disorder, a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial wa s undertaken in two sites. Two hundred forty-one subjects with panic d isorder or agoraphobia with panic attacks were randomly assigned to fl exible doses of diazepam, alprazolam, or placebo for 8 weeks. Results: At the end of the trial, over 60% of subjects taking either diazepam or alprazolam were at least moderately improved compared with less tha n 30% of those taking placebo. On all measures of efficacy, subjects t aking diazepam and alprazolam showed an equally favorable response. De spite some sedation early in the trial, both drugs were tolerated well . More severely ill subjects responded less well to either benzodiazep ine. Conclusion: The results indicate that diazepam is an effective al ternative to alprazolam for the treatment of panic disorder.