Low dose desipramine treatment of cocaine-related panic attacks.
Thirteen patients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia that started during or shortly after cocaine exposure were treated in the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Program (Los Angeles, CA). Low starting doses (ranging from 2.5 to 10 mg/day) of desipramine were used. Doses were then slowly increased to an average daily dose of 25 mg. Eleven patients who were able to tolerate an initial increase in panic anxiety responded to this treatment strategy with almost full resolution of panic attacks. The authors discuss the possible value and mechanisms of low dose treatment of cocaine-related panic attacks.
Bystritsky
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A
Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA School of Medicine.
Ackerman
D L
DL
Pasnau
R O
RO
D000328:Adult; D003042:Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects; D003891:Desipramine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*
D003042:Cocaine; D003891:Desipramine