Phenelzine panic disorder

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Shortly after their introduction, MAOIs, snch as phenelzine (Nardil), were found to reduce the frequency of panic attacks. It became a standard treatment for what is now known as panic disorder nntil snpplanted by the benzodiazepines and SSRIs. Although all MAOIs are presumably effective for panic disorder, phenelzine is the best studied and has been shown to be effective at daily doses ranging from 45 to 90 mg. When used to treat panic disorder, phenelzine should be initiated at a dose of 15mg/day and gradually increased in 15 mg increments until reaching a therapeutic dose. 

Panic disorder SSRIs Venlafaxine XR Alprazolam Clomipramine Clonazepam Imipramine Phenelzine... 

MAOIs are reserved for the most difficult or refractory panic disorder patients. Side effects and dietary and drug restrictions affect patient acceptance (see Chap. 70 for food and drug restrictions). Fluoxetine must be stopped 5 weeks before phenelzine (or another MAOI) is started. Other antidepressants should be stopped 2 weeks before phenelzine is started. 

Frank JB, Kosten TR, Giller EL Jr, Dan E (1988) A randomized clinical trial of phenelzine and imipramine for posttraumatic stress disorder. Am J Psychiatry 145 1289-1291 Goddard AW, Brouette T, Almai A, Jetty P, Woods SW, Charney D (2001) Early coadministration of clonazepam with sertraline for panic disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry 58 681-686 Goodnick PJ, Goldstein BJ (1998) SSRIs in affective disorders. I. Basic pharmacology. J Psychopharmacol 12(Suppl B) S5-S20... 

In an early study, Insel et al. [1983b] compared the efficacy of CMI with that of clorgiline, a monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor, in a controlled crossover study of patients with OCD. Although CMl was effective, patients on clorgiline did not improve at all. Vallejo et al. [1992] conducted a controlled clinical trial of the efficacy of CMl and phenelzine in 30 patients with OCD. The authors reported improvement in both groups however, the lack of a placebo control and the small size of the study groups limit the applicability of these findings. Further studies on the therapeutic role of monoamine oxidase inhibitors in OCD, especially in OCD with comorbid panic disorder, are warranted. 

Based on some intriguing case reports (Jenike et al. 1983), a trial with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) may be an option in OCD patients who have comorbid panic disorder. In a double-blind trial, both phenelzine and clomipramine were found to be effective in reducing symptoms in OCD, as reflected on two of four OC measures [Vallejo et al. 1992). None of the patients in this study had panic disorder. This study suggests that MAOIs may be helpful in some patients with OCD even in the absence of panic disorder. However, in an earlier comparison trial, clomipramine, but not the MAOI clorgiline, resulted in significant reduction in OC symptoms [Insel et al. 1983b). Additional studies are needed to evaluate the place of MAOIs (including the newer reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A [RIMAs], such as moclobemide) in the pharmacotherapy of OCD. 

A larger set of placebo-controlled studies show conclusively that imipramine is also effective for the treatment of panic disorders. Other agents shown to be effective in panic disorders include the SSRIs paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine and citalopram. Generally, initial treatment of moderate to severe panic disorders may require the initiation of a short course of benzodiazepines e.g. clonazepam (0.5 1 mg twice daily), and an SSRI. The patient will obtain immediate relief from panic attacks with the benzodiazepine whereas the SSRI may take 1 6 weeks to become effective. Once a patient is relieved of initial panic attacks, clonazepam should be tapered and discontinued over several weeks and SSRI therapy continued thereafter. There are no pharmacological treatments available for specific phobias, however controlled trials have shown efficacy for several agents, e.g. phenelzine, moclobemide. clonazepam, alprazolam, fluvoxamine. sertraline and paroxetine in the treatment of social phobia (Roy-Byrne and Cowlev, 2002). 

Buigues J, Vallejo J. Therapeutic response to phenelzine in patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia with panic attacks. J Clin Psychiatry 1987 48 55-59. 

For panic disorder, tricychc antidepressants and MAO inhibitors, as well as high-potency benzodiazepines (notably alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam) (see Chapter 16), are effective in blocking the autonomic expression of panic itself, thereby facilitating a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Imipramine and phenelzine are well-studied antidepressants for panic disorder. SSRIs also may be effective, but /3 adrenergic receptor antagonists, buspirone, and low-potency benzodiazepines usually are not, and bupropion can worsen anxiety. 

The client diagnosed with panic disorder is taking a phenelzine (Nardil), an MAO inhibitor. Which statement by the client warrants immediate intervention ... 

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