Objective To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of trazodone versus alprazolam for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Methods After the third day of a three-day screening period, 60 patients with generalized anxiety disorder were randomly assigned to the trazodone group (30 patients, 50-150 mg/d), and alprazolam group (30 patients 1.2-4 mg/d) for 4 weeks. Patients and their doctors were blind. Data were analyzed by SPSS 10.0 and intention-to-treat analysis. Results The total effective rate of trazodone was 77% (23/30), while alprazolam was 70% (21/30) (Pgt;0.05) .No difference was seen for adverse events. None was lost to follow in the two groups. Conclusions Trazodone appears to be as effective as alprazolam in treating generalized anxiety disorder. Adverse events may include confusion and loss of appetite, but patients are able to tolerate these.
