Imipramine Panic attack: case report

A 35-year-old woman with an 8-12 month history of increasing depression was treated with imipramine 50 mg/ day. No previous history or family history of major depression, panic attacks or other psychiatric disorders was reported.

After 4 days the patient experienced a full-blown panic attack with sudden onset of cold sweats, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, tight chest, fear, depersonalisation, and palpitations. Imipramine was initially discontinued and then reintroduced at 25 mg/day. Brief episodes of arm numbness and hot flashes were experienced but treatment was continued.

The authors commented that ' ..• the antlpanlc activity of Imipramine appears to be preceded by a period of time In which panic aHacks may be triggered In the patient'. Beilman BD, Clark~. Amencan Journal of Psychiatry 145: 764, Jun 1988 '"'

6 REACTIONs- 18 June 1988 0157-7271/88/0618-{)()06/0$01.00/0 ® ADIS Press