Short-term and long-term evaluation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of panic disorder: fluoxetine vs citalopram

This double-blind study evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of fluoxetine and citalopram in the acute and long-term treatment of panic disorder in 42 patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Fluoxetine and citalopram showed similar efficacy in the treatment of panic disorder patients. On the basis of HRSA and PASS mean score evaluation, fluoxetine was more rapid than citalopram in reducing generalized anxiety symptoms, spontaneous panic attacks and anticipatory anxiety. Fluoxetine appeared to be effective at a dosage of 10 mg/day, while citalopram reached the same efficacy at a dosage of 30 mg/day. Long-term evaluation has demonstrated high rates of persistent full remission with both drugs. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.