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Clinical Trials/CTRI/2025/11/096795
CTRI/2025/11/096795
Not yet recruiting
Phase 4

A Comparative study between oral melatonin and oral alprazolam as premedicants in patients undergoing surgeries under general anaesthesia: A Clinical Trial

Regional institute of medical sciences1 site in 1 country96 target enrollmentStarted: November 20, 2025Last updated:

Overview

Phase
Phase 4
Status
Not yet recruiting
Enrollment
96
Locations
1
Primary Endpoint
To see the reduction in perioperative anxiety with the use of melatonin vs alprazolam in patient undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia.

Overview

Brief Summary

Preoperative anxiety is a prevalent issue among patients awaiting elective surgery often driven by

fear of the procedure, anesthesia or hospitalisation. This psychological state can trigger

sympathetic nervous system responses such as elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and perspiration,

which may complicate anesthesia management by increasing anaesthetic requirements and causing

hemodynamic instability. Traditionally, benzodiazepines like alprazolam have been widely used

for their anxiolytic and sedative properties. Alprazolam, a triazolebenzodiazepine, is considered

more anxioselective than others in its class; however, it is associated with drawbacks like cognitive

impairment, restlessness, and dependency risk. In contrast, melatonin a hormone naturally

secreted by the pineal gland has shown promise as a safer alternative. Melatonin induces sedation

and anxiolysis without impairing cognitive or psychomotor function and is known for its

antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chronobiotic effects. The current study aims to compare the

effectiveness of oral melatonin (6 mg) and oral alprazolam (0.5 mg) in reducing preoperative

anxiety and to assess their impact on sedation, orientation, cognitive function, and patient

satisfaction. This randomized, double-blind clinical trial will be conducted in the Department of

Anaesthesiology at RIMS, Imphal, enrolling 96 adult patients aged 18-60 years, categorised as

ASA grade I or I. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups-melatonin or

alprazolam,-and administered their respective medications 120 minutes before anesthesia.

Preoperative anxiety, sedation, and cognitive functions will be assessed using validated tools like

the Visual Analogue Scale, Ramsay Sedation Score, Orientation Score, and Digit Symbol

Substitution Test. Standardised anesthesia will be provided across all groups. Data will be

statistically analyzed using SPSS, with significance set at p less than 0.05. This study seeks to address the

limited data comparing these two agents and aims to provide evidence based guidance on the use

of melatonin as a potential alternative to benzodiazepines in preoperative care.

Study Design

Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Masking
Participant and Outcome Assessor Blinded

Eligibility Criteria

Ages
18.00 Year(s) to 60.00 Year(s) (—)
Sex
All

Inclusion Criteria

  • Patients of either sex with ASA physical grade 1 and 2 of age group 18 to 60years.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Patient with Allergy to study drugs Pregnant women Patient with mental illness Patient on steroids and antipsychotic drugs Patient unable to read or write.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

To see the reduction in perioperative anxiety with the use of melatonin vs alprazolam in patient undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia.

Time Frame: The study drug will be given 120 minutes before the patient is taken inside the operation theatre at the pre anaesthetic check up room. | 1st assessment will be done 120 minutes before the drug is given and 2nd assessment will be done 120 minutes after the drug has been given.

Secondary Outcomes

  • To assess the hemodynamic parameters and evaluate the effects of melatonin and alprazolam on sedation cognition psychomotor function and patients satisfaction in the perioperative period.(60 minutes after administration of premedication and before induction of Aneasthesia.)

Investigators

Sponsor Class
Government medical college
Responsible Party
Principal Investigator
Principal Investigator

Kunzang lepcha

Regional Institute of medical sciences Imphal

Study Sites (1)

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