Objective: There are reports of alprazolam-induced hypomania/mania. Here is a case report of a patient who developed hypomania during treatment with alprazolam, but not with diazepam, another benzodiazepine derivative.
Clinical picture: The illness was of 2 months' duration and the patient received a diagnosis of anxious depression. Following treatment with alprazolam, the patient developed hypomania characterised by euphoria, overactivity, overtalkactivity, racing thoughts, oversocialisation, enhanced self-confidence and disturbed sleep.
Treatment: Hypomania subsided when alprazolam was withdrawn. There was no recurrence with fluoxetine or diazepam that ameliorated the primary condition.
Outcome: The patient was symptom-free on follow-up.
Conclusions: Alprazolam can induce hypomania/mania and, perhaps, it differs from other benzodiazepines in its mode of action. Clinicians have to be alert to the possibility of their patients developing hypomania/mania while on alprazolam.