Sertraline treatment of panic disorder: results of a long-term study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the long-term efficacy, prevention of relapse and safety of sertraline in the treatment of panic disorder.


METHODS
This study consisted of 52 weeks of open-label sertraline treatment (n=398) followed by a 28 weeks of a double-blind, placebo-controlled discontinuation trial (n=183).


RESULTS
Ninety-three patients were randomized to sertraline and 90 were randomized to placebo. Discontinuation due to insufficient clinical response occurred in 23.6% of placebo-treated patients and 12.0% of sertraline-treated patients (log-rank test, P=0.040). Thirty-three per cent of placebo-treated patients had an exacerbation of panic symptomatology, versus 13% of sertraline-treated patients (log-rank test, P=0.005). Abrupt cessation of sertraline resulted in dizziness (4.3% sertraline vs. 16.9% placebo; P=0.007) and insomnia (4.3% sertraline vs. 15.7% placebo; P=0.013) occurring at significantly higher rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term sertraline treatment was effective in preventing relapse of panic disorder, well tolerated and associated with minimal discontinuation symptoms.
Rapaport
M H
MH
Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego and Psychiatric Service San Diego Veterans, Affairs Healthcare System, 8950 Villa La Jolla Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Wolkow
R
R
Rubin
A
A
Hackett
E
E
Pollack
M
M
Ota
K Y
KY
D000328:Adult; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D012008:Recurrence; D020280:Sertraline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020280:Sertraline