The Effect of N-acetylcysteine on Alprazolam Withdrawal Symptoms in Wistar Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug that is mainly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and sleep disorders. Doctors' insistence on prescribing alprazolam due to its long half-life (16 hours) can lead to severe withdrawal complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant drug on reducing the withdrawal symptoms of alprazolam in male albino rats. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, 50 albino male Wistar rats were used. 10 rats received normal saline by gavage for 26 days (sham), the rest of the rats received 1 mg / kg of alprazolam daily for 21 days and after drug dependence were randomly divided into 4 groups were divided. The negative control group received normal saline by gavage daily for up to 4 days after the dependence period. The treated groups also received 100, 200, and 400 mg / kg NAC orally for 4 days after the dependence period, after which the anti-anxiety and restless effects of N-acetylcysteine were assessed by behavioral test (Elevated plus-maze test). Results: The variables OAE (p = 0.18), CAE (p = 0.88), CAT (p = 0.53) and OAT percent (p = 0.29) did not show a significant difference between the 5 treatment groups; But OAT (p = 0.07) and OAE_percent (p = 0.001) showed a significant difference between the 5 treatment groups (p <0.05). Conclusion: Due to the antioxidant properties of NAC and its ability to counteract oxidative stress in the nervous system, it can be used to control the symptoms of withdrawal syndrome in people with a history of alprazolam dependence. In the present study, a dose of 400 mg / kg NAC had the best therapeutic effects in rats. In future studies, it is recommended to obtain an appropriate dose for people who experience symptoms of alprazolam withdrawal syndrome.