Low dose lorazepam in psychoneurotic outpatients

ABSTRACT

In a double blind study, 32 patients were randomly divided into three treatment groups, namely, placebo, 1 tablet b.i.d., lorazepam 0.5 mg. b.i.d., and lorazepam 1.0 mg. b.i.dCoefficient of regression analysis during the first three weeks of treatment showed significantly faster improvement in both lorazepam groups compared with placebo. With the fourth week included, statistically significant difference was attained only with lorazepam 1.0 mg. b.i.d. compared with placebo. Side effects were seen in 10 patients, including 3 placebo patients; these either promptly responded to reduction in dosage or were transitory without change in dosageLaboratory data before treatment were not significantly different from post-treatment values. Laboratory data before and after treatment showed no evidence of drug toxicityThe efficacy of lorazepam even at low doses of 0.5 mg. b.i.d. and 1.0 mg. b.i.d. attests to its potency as an anti-anxiety agent. (Summary)