Alprazolam and standard antidepressants in the treatment of depression: a meta-analysis of the antidepressant effect

J Med Assoc Thai. 1997 Mar;80(3):183-8.

Abstract

Alprazolam differs from other benzodiazepines by the incorporation of a triazolo ring in the basic chemical structure. Several lines of evidence have supported that alprazolam and standard antidepressants have some similar actions, such as beta-adrenergic receptor down-regulation, antipanic effect. Because of the difference in opinions pertaining to the antidepressant effect of alprazolam, this issue could not reach a firm conclusion. In the present analysis, we carried out a meta-analysis of 11 random controlled studies that compared the antidepressant effect of alprazolam and standard antidepressants in depressed patients. The results showed that the weighted mean effect size d (dw) is equal to 0.06. In conclusion, the antidepressant effect of alprazolam is comparable to that of low-dose tricyclic antidepressants. Very few studies have investigated severely depressed patients. Also, in long-term administration, the lack of a long-term treatment study makes the issue of alprazolam's benefits and disadvantages still undetermined.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Alprazolam / therapeutic use*
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Alprazolam