title: Evidence-based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder: an update.
abstract: The evidence-based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder continues to evolve. This paper reviews data on first-line pharmacotherapy, evidence for maintenance treatment, and management options for treatment-refractory patients. A Medline search of research on pharmacotherapy was undertaken, and a previous systematic review on the evidence-based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder was updated. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors remain a first-line pharmacotherapy of panic disorder, with the serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine also an acceptable early option. Temporary co-administration of benzodiazepines can be considered. Maintenance treatment reduces relapse rates, but further research to determine optimal duration is needed. For patients not responding to first-line agents several pharmacotherapy options are available, but there is a notable paucity of data on the optimal choice.
authors: Department of Psychiatry and EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam and GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: Neeltje M
authors: NM
authors: Batelaan
authors: Department of Psychiatry and EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam and GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: Anton J L M
authors: AJ
authors: Van Balkom
authors: University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors: Dan J
authors: DJ
authors: Stein
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014149:Tranquilizing Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines