Long-term drug treatment of panic disorder

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