A comparison of alpidem and placebo in relieving benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.

Abstract

Chronic normal-dose benzodiazepine users requesting drug withdrawal were allocated to substitution with either the new anxiolytic alpidem (n = 13) or placebo (n = 12). During the first 2 weeks of the tapering programme, the dose of benzodiazepine was kept constant; for the next 2 weeks it was halved and half-dose alpidem (25 mg twice daily) or placebo substituted; for weeks 5 and 6, the benzodiazepine was discontinued and full-dose alpidem or placebo given; next alpidem or placebo were tapered to half-dose and then finally discontinued. Regular anxiety and tranquillizer withdrawal ratings were made. Nine of 12 patients given placebo withdrew successfully compared with four of 13 alpidem-treated patients. Anxiety and other symptom levels increased in the alpidem but not the placebo patients. It was concluded that alpidem is not helpful in helping patients withdrawing from a benzodiazepine withdrawal perhaps because of partial agonist properties. These actions may imply a lesser propensity to induce dependence on long-term use.

• Authors: M Lader, I Farr, S Morton
• Journal: International clinical psychopharmacology (Int Clin Psychopharmacol) Vol. 8 Issue 1 Pg. 31-6 ( 1993) ISSN: 0268-1315 [Print] England
• PMID: 8097214 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Anxiety Agents
• Imidazoles
• Pyridines
• Benzodiazepines
• alpidem

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Anxiety Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Anxiety (drug therapy)
• Benzodiazepines
• Female
• Humans
• Imidazoles (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prognosis
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Pyridines (therapeutic use)
• Regression Analysis
• Substance Withdrawal Syndrome (drug therapy, psychology)
• Time Factors