Effect of alprazolam 0.5 mg on patients’ experience of anxiety and pain during peribulbar block injections for cataract surgery

• Author Details:   
• Bhawna Chawla
• Manika Sharma
• Kanav Gupta ^*
• B K Gupta

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Background: Cataract surgery is one of the most common ophthalmic procedures, often performed under regional anaesthesia with a peribulbar block. Preoperative anxiety, prevalent among surgical patients, can adversely affect anaesthesia 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 and Methods: This single-centre, 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 analysed 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>

Conclusion: Preoperative administration of alprazolam significantly reduces anxiety and postoperative pain, enhancing patient comfort and surgical outcomes in cataract surgery under peribulbar block. Its favourable safety profile makes it a valuable addition to preoperative care protocols.

Keywords: Alprazolam, Cataract surgery, Peribulbar block, Anxiety, Postoperative pain, Preoperative care.