In previous research, we found an independent interaction of alprazolam and caffeine in rats under acute dose regimens using
two measures (reinforcement rate and shorter-response rate) of a differential reinforcement of low rate performance (DRL 45-s)
in 3-h sessions. Applying the same behavioral endpoints, the present study investigated the alprazolam-caffeine interaction
under chronic dose regimens. Both drugs were administered by the oral route. Acute alprazolam and caffeine dose-response curves
(DRCs) were characterized and were then used to determine the maintenance dose for the respective chronic dose regimens. Both
drugs decreased the reinforcement rate and increased the shorter-response rate in a dose-related fashion. An alprazolam DRC
also was determined during chronic-caffeine, chronic-alprazolam, and concurrent chronic-caffeine-alprazolam dose regimens.
Complete tolerance to caffeine-induced rate changes was observed on the second day. Incomplete tolerance occurred only at
higher alprazolam doses (7–12.5 mg/kg). Cross tolerance was not found between alprazolam and caffeine. Upon discontinuation
of both drugs, performance progressively returned to baseline. The four alprazolam DRCs as well as the effect-time profiles
demonstrated that caffeine altered neither the magnitudes nor the patterns of alprazolam effects on the two rates under chronic
dose regimens. The Pöch DRC method further confirmed the independent interaction of alprazolam and caffeine. Thus, the independence
of the interaction held for both the acute and chronic dose regimens despite the development of tolerance in the latter regimens.
Key words Alprazolam - Benzodiazepine - Caffeine - Cross tolerance - DRL - Drug interaction - Methylxanthine - Pharmacokinetics - Tolerance
Received: 6 February 1997 / Final version: 21 May 1997