Changes in appetite and weight during the pharmacological treatment of patients with panic disorder.

Antidepressants reportedly increase appetite, carbohydrate craving and weight in some patients with depression and panic disorder. This paper presents the results of changes in appetite and weight in patients with panic disorder treated with imipramine, diazepam or placebo in a double-blind prospective study. Forty-four patients with panic disorder were randomly assigned imipramine, diazepam and placebo. The investigators monitored weight and the patients rated their appetite and cravings during the eight week study. No significant increases in weight or appetite were found in the patients with panic disorder patients.