For adults with panic disorder, if pharmacological treatment is considered, antidepressants are the recommended intervention for longer-term management NICE CG113. The classes of antidepressants that have an evidence base for effectiveness include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) NICE CG113.
As of June 2020, specific antidepressants licensed for the treatment of panic disorder are escitalopram, sertraline, citalopram, paroxetine, and venlafaxine NICE CG113. When deciding which medication to offer, factors such as the person's age, previous treatment response, risks (including likelihood of overdose or self-harm), tolerability, potential drug interactions, and patient preference should be considered NICE CG113.
It is important to note that benzodiazepines, sedating antihistamines, and antipsychotics should not be prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder NICE CG113.