Discontinuation of alprazolam treatment in panic patients

A. J. Fyer, M. R. Liebowitz, J. M. Gorman, R. Campeas, A. Levin, S. O. Davies, D. Goetz, D. F. Klein

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

133 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Alprazolam treatment was tapered in 17 panic patients at a rate of 10% of the starting dose every 3 days. Only four subjects completed withdrawal on schedule (4-5 weeks); four additional subjects discontinued treatment in 7-13 weeks. During withdrawal 15 patients had recurrent or increased panic attacks and nine had significant new withdrawal symptoms. Most common among the latter were malaise, weakness, insomnia, tachycardia, lightheadedness, and dizziness. None had seizures, psychosis, or significant neurological or EEG abnormalities. Results indicate that relapse and withdrawal are important considerations in the choice of alprazolam treatment for panic attacks.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)303-308
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry
Volume144
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1987

Funding

FundersFunder number
National Institute of Mental HealthR01MH033422

    ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

    • Psychiatry and Mental health

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Discontinuation of alprazolam treatment in panic patients'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this

    Fyer, A. J., Liebowitz, M. R., Gorman, J. M., Campeas, R., Levin, A., Davies, S. O., Goetz, D., & Klein, D. F. (1987). Discontinuation of alprazolam treatment in panic patients. American Journal of Psychiatry, 144(3), 303-308. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.144.3.303