Study Comparing Venlafaxine vs. Paroxetine in Panic Disorder

Pilot Study of Venlafaxine Extended Release (XR) in the Treatment of Panic Disorder (PD) in Comparison to Paroxetine.

The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the improvement in social function following therapy with venlafaxine extended release (XR) in the treatment of panic disorder (PD) in comparison to paroxetine. An additional purpose of this pilot study is to obtain the tolerability of using venlafaxine extended release (XR) in the treatment of panic disorder (PD) in comparison to paroxetine.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Meet DSM IV criteria for Panic Disorder (with or without agoraphobia) for at least 3 months before study day 1.
• Have a minimum of 8 full-symptom panic attacks during the 4 weeks before the screening visit.
• Provide a written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Treatment with Venlafaxine within 6 months of study day 1, as well Paroxetine
• Known hypersensitivity to Venlafaxine or related compounds as well to Paroxetine.
• Psychopharmacologic drugs within 14 days of study day 1