Paroxetine versus alprazolam in treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.

Objective To compare the efficacy and adverse reaction of paroxetine versus alprazolam in treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Methods 92 patients with generalized anxiety disorder were randomly divided into two groups. The paroxetine group of 46 patients was treated with paroxetine 20mg/d, po, for 4 wk. The alprazolam group of 46 patients was treated with alprazolam 1.2 -2. 4mg/d, po, for 4 wk. HAMA and SAS were adopted to evaluate the efficacy. Safety was evaluate by TESS, laboratory and physical examination. Results After 4 wk treatment, the results based on the reduction rate of HAMA showed paroxetine group was effective on generalized anxiety disorder, the significant improvement rate was 71. 7% ,the response rate was 93. 5%. The significant improvement rate and the response rate of alprazolam group was 69. 6% and 95.1% respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups(P 0. 05). Usual adverse reactions were nausea .headache, dry mouth, perspire, anorexia, constipation and so on in paroxetine group, but the degree of adverse reactions were mild. Conclusion Paroxetine is an effective and safe anti - anxiety drugs. The tolerance and compliance are good.