Medazepam and the driving ability of anxious patients.

A double-blind crossover trial of Medazepam was carried out in 14 anxious hospital patients. The mean self-adjusted dosage was 16.5 mg daily. The active drug was no more effective than placebo in relieving anxiety, which was rated both clinically and by the Middlesex Health Questionnaire (M.H.Q.) (Crown and Crisp, 1970). This may have been because the dose was relatively low for chronically anxious hospital patients. Even this dosage caused significantly higher scores on the M.H.Q. scale for depression. Braking and driving simulator tests were not adversely affected by Medazepam. In real driving conditions those taking the drug made significantly more technical, but not dangerous, errors. Pulse and blood pressure also were not affected.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes