FDA Approves Anxiety Drug for Panic Disorder

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first medication for the treatment of panic disorder, a disease that will affect 3 million Americans at some point in their lives.

The medication, Xanax, is made by The Upjohn Co. and was approved in 1981 for the treatment for clinical anxiety and anxiety associated with depression.

Panic disorder is characterized by repeated panic attacks in which a patient is struck by intense fear. Symptoms of panic attacks can include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling and sweating, nausea and abdominal distress. The symptoms often mimic a heart attack.

The company, announcing the FDA action Thursday, estimated that between 1% and 2% of the population--an estimated 3 million Americans--will suffer from panic disorder in their lifetimes.

For about 60% of people with the disorder, it will disrupt their social and working lives.