Comparison of the treatment with paroxetine and reboxetine in panic disorder: a randomized, single-blind study

INTRODUCTION: Serotonergic agents have greater effectiveness than noradrenergic ones in the treatment of Panic Disorder (PD). However preliminary studies suggested that reboxetine might be effective in the treatment of PD. We compared the effectiveness and tolerability of reboxetine and paroxetine in the treatment of PD. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with PD were assigned to treatment groups in a single-blind, randomized design. Each patient was assessed at day 0 and 90 by the Panic Associated Symptoms Scale (PASS), the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) and the Fear Questionnaire (FQ). Side effects were also recorded. RESULTS: Reduction of PASS scores was significantly greater in the paroxetine group than in the reboxetine one. Vice versa we did not find any significant differences for other outcome measures. Sexual dysfunction and weight gain were significantly less frequent in the reboxetine group. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed a greater effect of paroxetine on panic attacks than reboxetine, while no differences for anticipatory anxiety and avoidance were found, suggesting a different role of noradrenaline and serotonin in the treatment of PD.