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 taking diazepam and alprazolam showed an equally favorable response. Despite some sedation early in the trial, both drugs were tolerated well. More severely ill subjects responded less well to either benzodiazepine.
Conclusion: The results indicate that diazepam is an effective alternative to alprazolam for the treatment of panic disorder.