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Benzodiazepines for panic disorder. Are they safe?
1Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA 52246.
Postgraduate Medicine
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Benzodiazepine dependence is rare in carefully selected panic disorder patients. Physical dependence can occur upon discontinuation, but withdrawal symptoms are typically mild with gradual tapering.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for panic disorder.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence of benzodiazepine dependence in panic disorder patients.
- To differentiate physical dependence from substance dependence.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on benzodiazepine use in panic disorder.
- Analysis of reported cases of dependence and withdrawal.
Main Results:
- Benzodiazepine dependence incidence is low in properly selected panic disorder patients.
- Physical dependence occurs in 5-45% of patients discontinuing therapy.
- Withdrawal symptoms are generally mild and manageable with tapering.
Conclusions:
- Benzodiazepines can be used cautiously in select panic disorder patients.
- Physical dependence is distinct from substance dependence.
- Gradual dose reduction is recommended to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.