An open trial of fluvoxamine therapy for panic disorder complicated by depression.

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of fluvoxamine in the treatment of panic disorder complicated by depression was investigated in an 8-week, single-group, open-label, flexible-dose trial.

METHOD: Seventeen patients having a principal diagnosis of panic disorder and scoring 16 or more on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression were treated with fluvoxamine at a mean final dose of 213 mg/ day. Outcome was assessed on measures of panic attacks, general and anticipatory anxiety, agoraphobic avoidance, depression, disability, and fear of anxiety symptoms.

RESULTS

Subjects improved on all measures except agoraphobic avoidance. Thirteen either chose to remain on fluvoxamine treatment after the study ended or resumed taking it after a brief period without medication or on another medication.

CONCLUSION

Fluvoxamine appears to be effective in this population.