|
|
Article: Drug for panic disorder. (Xanax)
- Article from:
- FDA Consumer
- Article date:
- March 1, 1991
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1991 U.S. Government Printing Office. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
The first medicine for use in treating panic disorder (repeated attacks of intense fear) gained FDA approval last November. Clinical studies showed the drug Xanax (alprazolam) decreases frequency of attacks and in many cases eliminates them.
Xanax has been approved since 1981 to treat anxiety. Because Xanax often needs to be used at higher doses and for longer periods to treat panic attacks, special attention must be paid to its potential side effects.
The most common of these are drowsiness and impaired coordination. There also is a potential for physical dependence when the drug is given at the higher doses for longer durations. When the drug is ...