Pharmacotherapy of the panic disorders.

The evidence supporting the effective pharmacotherapy of the panic disorders is reviewed. The medications discussed include the tricyclic antidepressants, the monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and the benzodiazepines. Clinical guidelines are developed for each group and cover such issues as side effects, dosing, length of treatment, and relapse after discontinuation of medications. Although this paper primarily reviews the pharmacologic treatment of panic disorders, nonpharmacologic behavioral treatments are briefly discussed, especially as they relate to the pharmacologic treatment of these disorders.