Efficacy of Hydroxyzine for Patients With Panic Disorder

Sultan Qaboos University

Status and phase: Not yet enrolling; Phase 4

Conditions: Panic Disorder

Treatments: Drug: Hydroxyzine; Drug: Escitalopram Oxalate

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05737511

02/2023

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxyzine compared to treatment as usual (TAU) for patients with panic disorder. By conducting a pilot study, we hope to provide initial data on the feasibility and potential impact of hydroxyzine for this population. This will inform the design and power calculations of a larger, more comprehensive study in the future.

Objectives:

To assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of hydroxyzine for panic disorder.

To evaluate the effectiveness of hydroxyzine compared to TAU in reducing panic symptoms in patients with panic disorder.

To explore the potential side effects and tolerability of hydroxyzine in this population.

Methods:

This will be a single-center, open-label, randomized pilot study. A total of 30 patients with a primary diagnosis of panic disorder will be recruited from a psychiatric outpatient clinic. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either hydroxyzine or TAU for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be the change in panic symptoms as assessed by the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS). Secondary outcome measures will include the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scale. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the study.

Expected Results:

This pilot study is expected to provide preliminary data on the feasibility and potential efficacy of hydroxyzine for panic disorder. The results will inform the design of a larger RCT to further evaluate the efficacy of hydroxyzine for this population.

Significance:

There is a need for effective and well-tolerated treatments for panic disorder. If found to be effective, hydroxyzine could provide a new option for patients with this condition, potentially improving their quality of life and functioning. The results of this pilot study will inform the design of future studies and contribute to the development of evidence-based treatments for panic disorder.

Enrollment: 80 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 19 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• The study will recruit adult patients (18 years and older)
• Confirmed diagnosis of the panic disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
• Participants will be included if they have had at least one panic attack per week for the last four weeks,
• Have not received any pharmacological treatment for panic disorder in the past four weeks,
• Willing to discontinue any current benzodiazepine or SSRI treatment for the duration of the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Current substance abuse or dependence,
• Medical diseases
• Psychiatric comorbidities,
• Pregnancy or lactation.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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80 participants in 2 patient groups

Hydroxyzine

Experimental group

Description:

Hydroxyzine (25 mg/day) for eight weeks, the dose of hydroxyzine may be adjusted based on tolerability and clinical judgment, max 100mg/day

Treatment:

Drug: Hydroxyzine

Treatment as Usual

Active Comparator group

Description:

Treatment as usual includes the currently approved treatment according to CANMAT and Muadesly guidelines

Treatment:

Drug: Escitalopram Oxalate