Benzodiazepines in the treatment of depressive, borderline personality, and schizophrenic disorders.

Af, Schatzberg; Jo, Cole

doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.1981.tb01834.x

Cited by 17 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 26 publications

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“…It is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder 1 . The claims of antidepressant and antipsychotic actions of alprazolam were refuted when Schatzberg and Cole found that any effect the benzodiazepines have in depression, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia is anxiolytic and not specific to the disease state 2 . It is also used for other anxiety disorders, anxiety associated with depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, insomnia, and catatonia, and as an adjunct in acute mania and acute psychosis 1 .…”

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confidence: 99%

Alprazolam

Mamtani

Chaturvedi

2023

J Clin Psychopharmacol

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Background: Although alprazolam is approved only for use in panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, it is used for numerous other conditions, not only by psychiatrists but also by medical professionals in general. This commentary critically analyzes the use of alprazolam.Methods: A narrative review approach was adopted, using relevant articles and textbooks, to compile pertinent literature for the aforementioned topic.Results: Among all its adverse reactions, the most bothersome concern about the use of alprazolam is its potential for abuse and dependence. This can be attributed to certain unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of this benzodiazepine. Also, the withdrawal triggered by use of alprazolam is challenging to treat. Alternate pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for use in anxiety and insomnia are available, which might be safer than alprazolam. Also, policy changes can serve as an answer to curb alprazolam abuse to some extent. Alprazolam might still be a good choice for individuals who do not have a history of abuse of other substances, with adequate psychoeducation and close monitoring of their usage pattern. Conclusion:There is a need to reconsider the need for long-term use of benzodiazepines in general, and alprazolam in particular. However, they still might be an appropriate choice in individuals where abuse and dependence are less likely.

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confidence: 99%

Alprazolam

Mamtani

Chaturvedi

2023

J Clin Psychopharmacol

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Old and new approaches to drug treatment of schizophrenia

Hollister

1986

Drug Development Research

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Alprazolam: Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Efficacy, and Mechanism of Action

Fawcett

Kravitz

1982

Pharmacotherapy

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Alprazolam, a triazolobenzodiazepine, is the first of this new class of benzodiazepine drugs to be marketed in the United States and Canada. It achieves peak serum levels in 0.7 to 2.1 hours and has a serum half-life of 12 to 15 hours. When given in the recommended daily dosage of 0.5 to 4.0 mg, it is as effective as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide as an anxiolytic agent. Its currently approved indication is for the treatment of anxiety disorders and symptoms of anxiety, including anxiety associated with depression. Although currently not approved for the treatment of depressive disorders, studies published to date have demonstrated that alprazolam compares favorably with standard tricyclic antidepressants. Also undergoing investigation is the potential role of alprazolam in the treatment of panic disorders. Alprazolam has been used in elderly patients with beneficial results and a low frequency of adverse reactions. Its primary side effect, drowsiness, is less than that produced by diazepam at comparable doses. Data on toxicity, tolerance, and withdrawal profile are limited, but alprazolam seems to be at least comparable to other benzodiazepines. Drug interaction data are also limited, and care should be exercised when prescribing alprazolam for patients taking other psychotropic drugs because of potential additive depressant effects.

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Benzodiazepines in the treatment of depressive, borderline personality, and schizophrenic disorders.

Cited by 17 publications

References 26 publications

Alprazolam

Alprazolam

Old and new approaches to drug treatment of schizophrenia

Alprazolam: Pharmacokinetics, Clinical Efficacy, and Mechanism of Action

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