PMID: 9179516May 2, 1997Paper

Alprazolam-reinforced medication use in outpatients with anxiety

Drug and Alcohol Dependence
J D RoacheR A Meisch

Abstract

The reinforcing effects of alprazolam were investigated in 14 patients who had generalized anxiety or panic disorder, but were not current users/abusers of other psychoactive substances. Using a double-blind outpatient choice procedure, color-coded alprazolam (0.5 mg) and placebo capsules were provided to patients for use 'as needed' in the treatment of anxiety symptoms. Comparisons of alprazolam and placebo during a 2 week sampling period in which placebo and alprazolam were available sequentially revealed no significant differences on measures of medication usage or anxiety levels, although alprazolam did increase subjective ratings of drug effects side effects. During a 4 week choice period, alprazolam was strongly preferred over placebo in 11 out of 14 patients indicating that alprazolam functioned as a reinforcer. Medication usage ranged from zero to 4.0 mg alprazolam in a day. Variations in daily medication-use were positively correlated with anxiety level fluctuations for a majority of patients. For a majority of patients, the results indicate that alprazolam functioned as a reinforcer without accompanying signs of abuse or addiction.

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Citations

Dec 22, 2005·Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology·Todd C HelmusChris-Ellyn Johanson
Nov 3, 2005·Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·Emily MacDonald Fredericks, Scott H Kollins
May 21, 2014·Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi·Tzu-Ting ChenCheng-Fang Yen
Mar 30, 2001·Journal of Psychopharmacology·M Z MintzerR R Griffiths

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