What is the most effective pharmacological treatment for panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

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From the Research

Effective Pharmacological Treatments

The most effective pharmacological treatments for panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) as first-line treatments 1, 2
• Benzodiazepines, although not recommended for routine use due to their potential for addiction 1
• Other treatment options such as pregabalin, tricyclic antidepressants, buspirone, and moclobemide 1, 3

Long-Term Pharmacological Treatments

Long-term pharmacological treatments for panic disorder and GAD can provide further improvement over short-term therapy, with options including:

• Paroxetine, escitalopram, and clonazepam for panic disorder 3
• Pregabalin and quetiapine for GAD 3
• Agomelatine and vortioxetine as potential treatment options for GAD 3

Treatment Guidelines

Treatment guidelines recommend:

• Continuing medications for 6 to 12 months after remission 1
• Combining drug treatment with psychological treatments 1, 4
• Using cognitive behavior therapy as an effective treatment for panic disorder 4

Novel Treatment Strategies

Novel treatment strategies include:

• Medications that act on GABA, glutamate, and other neurotransmitter systems 1, 5
• Investigating novel pathways such as serotonergic agents, glutamate modulators, and neuropeptides 5