A double blind controlled study of clobazam for the treatment of anxiety in psychiatric outpatients

Clobazam, a 1,5 benzodiazepine, was compared to placebo in a double-blind randomized efficacy trial. The thirty patients in the trial had a diagnosis of anxiety neurosis which was at least moderately severe. Fourteen received a placebo and sixteen received the drug in increasing doses for one week. Comparison of the two groups on the basis of pre- and post-treatment Hamilton Anxiety Scores and Clinical Global Improvement Scores indicated definite superiority of clobazam over placebo in the treatment of anxiety. The most common side effects were drowsiness and dizziness.