Alprazolam use and dependence. A retrospective analysis of 30 cases of withdrawal.

From 1986 to 1989, the Chemical Dependency Recovery Program at Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Fontana, California, admitted an increasing number of patients for alprazolam dependence. Severe withdrawal reactions and adverse consequences with use were reported in the literature. In this review of 30 cases of alprazolam dependence and subsequent withdrawal, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of patient hospital days, the subjective symptoms, and staff time spent with patients compared with those in alcoholic controls. Most patients with diagnosed alprazolam dependence used doses in the range recommended by the package information at the time of admission. Patients with low preadmission doses of 1 mg or less per day showed notable withdrawal symptoms. The average duration of use was 29.9 months, considerably longer than suggested effective ranges. Most patients (28) had a chemical dependence history before being placed on alprazolam therapy; 24 had a positive family history of chemical dependence; and 24 had previous or current psychiatric care.