EFFECTS OF THE BENZODIAZEPINE ANTAGONIST FLUMAZENIL IN PTSD

Objective: Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggests a r ole for alterations in the benzodiazepine/GABA(A) receptor complex in stress and anxiety. Flumazenil is a relatively pure benzodiazepine/GAB A, antagonist with limited intrinsic activity. In panic disorder patie nts, but not healthy controls, flumazenil has been demonstrated to pro voke panic attacks. Method: Vietnam combat veterans with PTSD (n = 14) received 90-second intravenous infusions of flumazenil 2 mg or placeb o in a double-blind, crossover study design. PTSD symptomology was ass essed using the PTSD Symptom Scale, and anxiety symptoms were measured with visual analogue rating scales. Results: There was no significant difference in PTSD and anxiety symptoms between administration of flu mazenil and placebo. Conclusion: Flumazenil administration does not pr oduce an increase in anxiety and PTSD symptoms in patients with PTSD. This suggests that PTSD and panic disorder are dissimilar in terms of benzodiazepine/GABA(A) system function.