title: Long-term drug treatment of panic disorder.
abstract: Drug treatment of panic disorder with benzodiazepines and antidepressants has been established as efficacious in the short-term (6-8 weeks). The efficacy of medications during long-term (i.e., continuous) treatment has not often been addressed and a review of the evidence is presented. Most data exists for the long-term effectiveness of benzodiazepines. Experience with the triazolobenzodiazepine, alprazolam, is reviewed together with some other high potency drugs, e.g., clonazepam. Tricyclic antidepressants are also effective in the long-term treatment of panic and the relevant studies are presented. Long-term efficacy for monoamine oxidase inhibitors is not as clearly established. The issue of relapse following drug withdrawal is addressed and some strategies for patient management in long-term therapy are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Burrows
authors.forename: F K
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Judd
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Norman
mesh_terms: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D012008:Recurrence; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines