title: Sertraline treatment of panic disorder: results of a long-term study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Rapaport
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wolkow
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rubin
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hackett
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pollack
authors.forename: K Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Ota
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D020280:Sertraline