Panic disorder and agoraphobia. In acute panic attacks,
reassurance of the patient may be suffi cient in most
cases. In severe attacks, short-acting benzodiazepines
may be needed (e.g., melting tablets). SSRIs and
venlafaxine are the fi rst-line treatments for panic disorder.
After remission, treatment should continue for
at least several months in order to prevent relapses.
SSRIs, venlafaxine, TCAs, benzodiazepines and
other drugs have shown long-term effi cacy in these
studies. Regarding SSRIs and SNRIs, the same doses
are usually prescribed in the maintenance treatment
as in the acute treatment phase.