Table 3.
Advantages and disadvantages of the different classes of drugs commonly used in the treatment of panic disorder
| SSRI | TCA | BDZ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapidity of effect | + | + | +++ |
| Antidepressant efficacy | +++ | +++ | 0 |
| Efficacy in anxiety comorbidity | +++ | +++ | 0 |
| Sedation | 0 | +/++ | ++ |
| Cognitive impairment | 0 | + | ++ |
| Anticholinergic effects | 0 | ++ | 0 |
| Orthostatic hypotension | 0 | ++ | 0 |
| Hyperstimulation | ++ | + | 0 |
| Nausea | ++ | 0 | 0 |
| Weight gain | 0/+ | ++ | 0 |
| Sexual dysfunction | ++ | + | 0 |
| Physical dependence | 0 | 0 | ++ |
| Discontinuation symptoms | + | + | +++ |
| Risk of abuse | 0 | 0 | ++ |
| Cardiovascular effects | 0 | ++ | 0 |
| Safety in overdose | 0 | ++ | 0 |
| Drug interaction | 0/++ | 0 | 0 |