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Alprazolam: just another benzodiazepine?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Brian O'Shea
Brian O'Shea*
Affiliation:
Newcastle Hospital, Greystones, Co. Wicklow
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Abstract

The literature on alprazolam is reviewed. It is concluded that it is an effective anxiolytic but that it is not an antidepressant. When used in sufficiently high dosage it can block panic attacks, but it is not the only antipanic agent available. It may be used as an alternative to other benzodiazepines in the acute detoxification of alcoholics. It should be avoided where there is strong individual likelihood of abuse. Chronic usage (more than a few weeks) demands a very slow tapering of dosage. Carbamazepine may ameliorate withdrawal symptoms. The use of alprazolam in other conditions remains unproven.

Keywords

Alprazolambenzodiazepinetriazolobenzodiazepineanxietypanicagoraphobiadepressionalcohol
Type
Review Articles
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 6 , Issue 2 , September 1989 , pp. 89 - 94
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

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