Decreased EEG sensitivity to alprazolam in subjects with a parental history of alcoholism

Altered benzodiazepine sensitivity in subjects with a history of parental a lcoholism (PHP) compared to control subjects (NC) has been reported for reg ional brain blood volume, eye movement tasks, and subjective effects. This study tests the hypothesis that PHP subjects are less sensitive to benzodia zepine effects on EEG activity than are NC subjects. total ;EEG activity wa s recorded in PHP and NC subjects after administration of the benzodiazepin e, alprazolam (1 mg), or placebo. PHP subjects had decreased sensitivity to the EEG effects of alprazolam compared to NC subjects. Significant differe nces were detected for change in percent relative beta activity and alpha a nd theta band power. Pharmacokinetic parameters did not differ significantl y between groups. These results suggest that PHP subjects are less sensitiv e to the effects of alprazolam on central electrophysiological activity tha n are NC subjects. (C) 2000 the American College of Clinical Pharmacology.