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Review, 2004

How well does alprazolam work for anxiety and panic attacks?

Alprazolam is more effective than placebo and works as well as some other medications for anxiety. It works within the first week but can impair thinking and driving skills.

Moderate study design People with anxiety, panic attacks with or without agoraphobia, and depression

What they did

A review of clinical studies on alprazolam, a benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.

What they found

Alprazolam is significantly better than placebo and equally effective as imipramine (an antidepressant) for anxiety. However, SSRIs appear to be more effective for panic attacks. Alprazolam provides symptom relief within the first week. It causes drowsiness and sedation and can impair cognitive and motor skills.

What it means for you

Alprazolam is effective for anxiety but can impair mental and physical performance, making it unsafe for driving. This paper is not about PMS or PMDD. The main limit is that it's a review of existing research, not a new study.

About the study

Original title
Clinical pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and behavioral toxicity of alprazolam: a review of the literature
Authors
Verster JC, Volkerts ER
Journal
CNS drug reviews
Year
2004
Study design
Review
What was tested
Alprazolam (benzodiazepine medication)
Open access
Yes

Topics