Usefulness of Tofisopam in Reducing Preoperative Anxiety

We investigated the utility of tofisopam administered for about 1 week after admission in reducing preoperative anxiety. Twenty-one patients were randomly classified into those treated with tofisopam and controls. State anxiety and trait anxiety were evaluated upon admission and on the day of operation using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Controls showed no change in trait anxiety but increased state anxiety, suggesting that the STAI test is a valid method of evaluating preoperative anxiety. In those treated with tofisopam, trait anxiety did not change but state anxiety significantly decreased. We conclude that tofisopam, which induces few side effects, may be useful in the treatment of anxiety in patients anticipating an operation.