A Medline search of research on pharmacotherapy was undertaken , and a previous systematic review on the evidence -based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder was up date d. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors remain a first-line pharmacotherapy of panic disorder , with the serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine also an acceptable early option .
Temporary co-administration of benzodiazepines can be considered .
For patients not responding to first-line agents several pharmacotherapy options are available , but there is a notable paucity of data on the optimal choice
The evidence -based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder continues to evolve .
This paper review s data on first-line pharmacotherapy , evidence for maintenance treatment , and management options for treatment-refractory patients .
Antidepressant discontinuation in the context of cognitive behavioral treatment for panic disorder.
Cognitive behavioral treatment ( CBT ) has been shown to reduce risk for adverse reactions ( e.g. , rebound panic ) following benzodiazepine taper for patients with panic disorder ( PD ) . This study evaluated the effects of antidepressant discontinuation for patients with PD in the context of CBT .  Patients with PD ( n=21 ) on a stable dose of antidepressants completed a 12-week group CBT treatment and were r and omly assigned to discontinue antidepressants during week 8 of the treatment . There were no statistically significant differences between groups at posttreatment or 6-month follow-up . Data indicate no apparent immediate or long-term adverse effects for antidepressant discontinuation for patients with PD receiving CBT
A Medline search of research on pharmacotherapy was undertaken , and a previous systematic review on the evidence -based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder was up date d. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors remain a first-line pharmacotherapy of panic disorder , with the serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine also an acceptable early option .
Temporary co-administration of benzodiazepines can be considered .
For patients not responding to first-line agents several pharmacotherapy options are available , but there is a notable paucity of data on the optimal choice
The evidence -based pharmacotherapy of panic disorder continues to evolve .
This paper review s data on first-line pharmacotherapy , evidence for maintenance treatment , and management options for treatment-refractory patients .