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Comparative Assessment of Efficacy and Withdrawal Symptoms After 6 and 12 Weeks' Treatment with Diazepam or Buspirone

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Siobhan M. Murphy ,
Robert Owen  and
Peter Tyrer
Siobhan M. Murphy*
Affiliation:
Mapperley Hospital, Nottingham NG3 6AA, St George's Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17
Robert Owen
Affiliation:
Pastures Hospital, Mickleover, Derbyshire
Peter Tyrer
Affiliation:
Mapperley Hospital, Nottingham NG3 6AA, now at St Charles' Hospital, Exmoor Street, London W10 6DZ
*
∗Correspondence
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Abstract

Fifty-one outpatients presenting with generalised anxiety disorder were included in a double-blind trial, and treated with either buspirone (a new non-benzodiazepine antianxiety drug) or diazepam over 6 or 12 weeks, after which they were abruptly withdrawn and continued on placebo to 14 weeks. Ratings of anxiety and other symptoms were administered fortnightly and additional withdrawal symptoms noted. Forty patients completed the study; 8 of the 11 drop-outs were taking buspirone. Both drugs reduced anxiety, diazepam more rapidly, but with greater withdrawal symptoms, particularly after 6 weeks. Regular treatment with diazepam for 6 weeks leads to a significant risk of pharmacological dependence that is not present with buspirone.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 154 , Issue 4 , April 1989 , pp. 529 - 534
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1989 

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