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Original ArticleOpen Access
Alprazolam and Standard Antidepressants in the Treatment of Depression: A Meta-analysis of the Antidepressant Effect
Srisurapanont M 
,
Boonyanaruthee V
,
Boonyanaruthee V Alprazolam differs from other benzodiazepines by the incorporation of a triazolo ring in
the basic chemical structure. Several lines of evidence have supported that alprazolam and standard
antidepressants have some similar actions, such as beta-adrenergic receptor down-regulation,
antipanic effect. Because of the difference in opinions pertaining to the antidepressant effect of
alprazolam, this issue could not reach a firm conclusion. In the present analysis, we carried out a
meta-analysis of 11 random controlled studies that compared the antidepressant effect of alprazolam
and standard antidepressants in depressed patients. The results showed that the weighted mean
effect size d (dw) is equal to 0.06. In conclusion, the antidepressant effect of alprazolam is comparable
to that of low-dose tricyclic antidepressants. Very few studies have investigated severely
depressed patients. Also, in long-term administration, the lack of a long-term treatment study makes
the isssue of alprazolam's benefits and disadvantages still undetermined.
the basic chemical structure. Several lines of evidence have supported that alprazolam and standard
antidepressants have some similar actions, such as beta-adrenergic receptor down-regulation,
antipanic effect. Because of the difference in opinions pertaining to the antidepressant effect of
alprazolam, this issue could not reach a firm conclusion. In the present analysis, we carried out a
meta-analysis of 11 random controlled studies that compared the antidepressant effect of alprazolam
and standard antidepressants in depressed patients. The results showed that the weighted mean
effect size d (dw) is equal to 0.06. In conclusion, the antidepressant effect of alprazolam is comparable
to that of low-dose tricyclic antidepressants. Very few studies have investigated severely
depressed patients. Also, in long-term administration, the lack of a long-term treatment study makes
the isssue of alprazolam's benefits and disadvantages still undetermined.
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