Therapeutic efficacy for depression & panic disorder has been demonstrated with alprazolam. However, adverse events, including depression & suicide attempts, have been reported in patients taking this medication. In this paper, reports addressing the association between each of these 2 events & benzodiazepine use in general, & more specifically, alprazolam use are reviewed. It is concluded that while these adverse events do occur, the causal relationship remains unclear & needs further study.