Am J Psychiatry 1988; 145:625-627
Copyright © 1988 by American Psychiatric Association
Alprazolam dependence in seven patients
SM Juergens and RM Morse
Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
The authors report on seven patients who met the DSM-III-R criteria for
psychoactive substance (alprazolam) dependence. All had withdrawal
symptoms, six demonstrated tolerance, and at least four had substantial
social or occupational impairment secondary to drug use. All seven patients
had begun taking alprazolam as treatment for anxiety or depression. Six
patients abused other drugs or alcohol, either in the past or concurrently.
Doses of alprazolam ranged from 2 to 12 mg/day, and duration of use was 6
months to 3 years. The potential for dependence should be considered when
prescribing alprazolam.
