The pharmacotherapy of panic disorder.

Panic disorder is common and associated with significant morbidity and dysfunction. The pharmacologic treatment of panic disorder is aimed at reducing or eliminating panic attacks, avoidance behavior, anticipatory anxiety, and comorbid conditions--and substantially improving and normalizing overall function and quality of life. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines remain the current mainstays of pharmacotherapy for panic disorder, although other novel agents and strategies are becoming available and may add effective alternatives to the therapeutic armamentarium.