Maintenance treatment of panic disorder is recommended for at least 12 to
24 months,7 and longer treatment may be necessary. Discontinuing the medication is reasonable after
12 months, with reinstitution of treatment if symptoms return. Discontinuing treatment before
12 months is more likely to result in relapse. Although lifelong or multiple years of treatment might be required, it is impossible to predict which patients will require longer treatment.
- Encourage continuation of citalopram for at least another 6 months.
7. Davidson JR, Conner KM. Treatment of anxiety disorders. In: Schatzberg AF, Nemeroff CB, editors. Textbook of psychopharmacology. Washington (DC): American Psychiatric Publishing; 2004:913-34.
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Seminars in Medical Practice
Hospital Physician Board Review Manuals
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