A double-blind comparison of buspirone and diazepam in outpatients with generalized anxiety disorder.

The safety and antianxiety and antidepressive effects of buspirone (average 16.5 mg/day) were compared in a double-blind trial with those of diazepam (15 mg/day). The two drugs were nearly equivalent in relieving symptoms of both anxiety and depression in 100 patients. Scores on the impaired cognition factor of the SCL-56 and confusion factor of the POMS showed significantly greater improvement with buspirone than with diazepam. Side effects, such as sedation and drowsiness, were significantly more frequent and severe with diazepam. Buspirone may be particularly indicated for anxious patients with associated depression.