Effect of Alprazolam 0.5 Mg on Patients’ Experience of Anxiety and Pain during Peribulbar Block Injections for Cataract Surgery

• BHAWNA CHAWLA,  
• MANIKA SHARMA,  
• KANAV GUPTA,*  
• B K Gupta

Abstract

Background Cataract surgery is one of the most common ophthalmic procedures, often performed under regional anesthesia with a peribulbar block. Preoperative anxiety, prevalent among surgical patients, can adversely affect anesthesia requirements, pain perception, and surgical outcomes. This study evaluates the effects of alprazolam (0.5 mg) on anxiety and pain in patients undergoing cataract surgery with peribulbar block. Materials & Methods This single-center, prospective study included 80 adult patients with ASA physical status I–II, randomized into two groups: Group A (n=40) received 0.5 mg alprazolam, while Group P (n=40) received a placebo multivitamin tablet, administered orally 60–90 minutes before surgery. Anxiety levels were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scale, and postoperative pain was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Data on anxiety, pain, and adverse effects were analyzed statistically. Results Alprazolam significantly reduced preoperative anxiety. Patients in Group A showed fewer cases of severe anxiety (6 patients postoperatively, STAI = 45–80) compared to Group P (10 patients, p < 0.05). Postoperative pain was also lower in Group A, with 30 patients reporting minimal pain (NPRS < 3) immediately after surgery, increasing to 38 patients by 24 hours. In contrast, Group P had only 8 patients with NPRS < 3 initially, increasing to 36 by 24 hours (p < 0.001). No cases of severe pain were reported in Group A, while mild side effects, such as dizziness, were noted in 10 patients. Conclusion Preoperative administration of alprazolam significantly reduces anxiety and postoperative pain, enhancing patient comfort and surgical outcomes in cataract surgery under peribulbar block. Its favorable safety profile makes it a valuable addition to preoperative care protocols. Keywords Alprazolam, cataract surgery, peribulbar block, anxiety, postoperative pain, preoperative care.

Keywords

NPS, eye surgery, Alprax, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory