Antidepressants in panic disorder
Jefferson, J.W.
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 58(Suppl 2) 20-24; Discussion: 24-25
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0160-6689 PMID: 9078990 Document Number: 483132
Antidepressants have been used to treat patients with panic disorder almost since these drugs were first introduced. Tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and other antidepressants have all been studied, with varying results, in patients with panic disorder. The MAOIs are believed by some clinicians to be the most potent anti-panic agents, but their considerable side effects limit their use. The tricyclic antidepressants imipramine and clomipramine are well established in treating panic disorder, although today many clinicians choose an SSRI as their first-line agent. Data supporting this clinical preference for SSRIs are just now becoming available.