Long-term management of panic disorder.
The high-potency benzodiazepines have been effective in short-term treatment of panic disorder, but systematic investigation of their long-term efficacy and safety is necessary. In a 1-year follow-up study of patients continuing treatment with clonazepam, 90% maintained a positive response without developing significant tolerance. In a 2.5-year follow-up study of alprazolam therapy, little evidence of tolerance emerged and initial therapeutic gains were maintained, even among patients who decreased or discontinued medication. As with antidepressants, many patients remain on high-potency benzodiazepine medication after short-term treatment; the choice of maintenance agent should reflect side effects of treatment as well as the ease of discontinuation. The high-potency benzodiazepines are a reasonable alternative to antidepressants, which involve problems of morbidity, noncompliance, and risk for overdose. Discontinuation may be less difficult with the longer-acting high-potency benzodiazepines, which thus may be advantageous for long-term treatment. It is necessary to determine the contributions of all aspects of treatment, both behavioral and pharmacologic, to the longitudinal course of patients with panic disorders.
Pollack
M H
MH
Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114.
D000525:Alprazolam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005239:Fear; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010200:Panic
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D002998:Clonazepam; D000525:Alprazolam