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Are there any prescription treatments for panic disorder?

Three classes of prescription medicines are commonly used to treat panic disorder: benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SSRIs).

Benzodiazepines, a class of drugs commonly used for treating anxiety, also help people to relax. These medicines are usually taken only when needed to stop a panic attack. Examples of benzodiazepine drugs include alprazolam (brand name Xanax) , clonazepam (>Klonopin), diazepam (>Valium), and lorazepam (>Ativan). Your doctor should supervise you closely if you take one of these drugs, because they can cause severe drowsiness and can lead to physical dependence with long-term use.

TCAs are taken on a daily base to prevent panic attacks. Examples of TCAs are amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (>Anafranil), doxepin (>Sinequan), nortriptyline (>Pamelor), and desipramine (>Norpramin). TCAs are very effective for reducing the symptoms of panic disorder, but some people have trouble tolerating the side effects of TCAs, which include dry mouth and drowsiness.

SSRIs are often the treatment of choice for panic disorders. SSRIs work well in preventing panic attacks and have an advantage over TCAs in that they cause fewer side effects. Examples of SSRIs include sertraline (>Zoloft), paroxetine (>Paxil), and fluoxetine (>Prozac).

Behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy can also help to prevent or reduce the symptoms of panic disorder.

Sources:
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies. Medletter Associates Inc., 1998.
Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs. Applied Therapeutics, 1995.
The American Psychiatric Press Textbook of Psychopharmacology. American Psychiatric Press Inc., 1998.
Vanin, J.R. "Panic Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment in Primary Care," American Family Physician 57 (1998).
Diseases and conditions. “Panic Attacks”. www.mayoclinic.com. Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 12/2006.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2006.

This answer prepared 2/8/2001.
This information updated 2/7/2007.

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