Diazepam versus alprazolam for the treatment of panic disorder

Abstract

Background: Alprazolam has proven efficacy as a treatment for panic disorder, but the place of other benzodiazepines is less well established. Method: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of diazepam and alprazolam for the disorder, a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was undertaken in two sites. Two hundred forty-one subjects with panic disorder or agoraphobia with panic attacks were randomly assigned to flexible 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 than 30% of those taking placebo. On all measures of efficacy, subjects t..