A comparative study of suriclone, lorazepam and placebo in anxiety disorder.

Abstract

In a four-week double-blind randomized trial preceded by a one-week single-blind placebo treatment, the efficacy and the side-effects of suriclone (1.50-2.25 mg/d) (n = 24), lorazepam (5.0-7.5 mg/d) (n = 19) and placebo (n = 21) were compared in 64 outpatients with a DSM-III diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (n = 56) or panic disorder (n = 8). Efficacy was measured weekly by means of a global clinical impression scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, the Zung Anxiety Self-Assessment Scale and a target symptom scale. Side-effects were evaluated weekly by an adverse events scale, which recorded the spontaneous complaints and the complaints elicited by an extensive somatic inventory questionnaire. The three groups showed a statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement early on in the treatment: this improvement was maintained during the remaining period. Early on in the treatment there was some indication of a better response, but also of more side-effects, in the suriclone and the lorazepam groups. After four weeks of treatment no difference was found between the three groups either in efficacy or in side-effects. The effect size achieved in the placebo group was not inferior to that of benzodiazepines in general.

• Authors: F de Jonghe, J Swinkels, H Tuynman-Qua, F Jonkers
• Journal: Pharmacopsychiatry (Pharmacopsychiatry) Vol. 22 Issue 6 Pg. 266-71 (Nov 1989) ISSN: 0176-3679 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 2575766 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Anxiety Agents
• Naphthyridines
• Piperazines
• Sulfur Compounds
• suriclone
• Lorazepam

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Anxiety Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Anxiety (drug therapy, psychology)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Lorazepam (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Naphthyridines
• Piperazines (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Sulfur Compounds