LONG-TERM DRUG-TREATMENT OF PANIC DISORDER

Drug treatment of panic disorder with benzodiazepines and antidepressa nts has been established as efficacious in the short-term (6-8 weeks). The efficacy of medications during long-term (i.e, continuous) treatm ent has not often been addressed and a review of the evidence is prese nted. Most data exists for the long-term effectiveness of benzodiazepi nes. Experience with the triazolobenzodiazepine, alprazolam, is review ed together with some other high potency drugs, e.g, clonazepam. Tricy clic antidepressants are also effective in the long-term treatment of panic and the relevant studies are presented. Long-term efficacy for m onoamine oxidase inhibitors is not as clearly established. The issue o f relapse following drug withdrawal is addressed and some strategies f or patient management in long-term therapy are discussed.