A Study to Evaluate the Use of Extended Release Alprazolam in the Treatment of Adolescents With Panic Disorder

• Other: placebo
  
  Placebo dosing same as alprazolam, except a placebo equivalent was substituted for alprazolam
• Drug: alprazolam XR
  
  Oral treatment started at a daily dose of 1 mg tablets for the first 7 days; thereafter the daily dosage was titrated at a maximum rate of 1 mg every 7 days up to a maximum dosage of 6 mg for lack of response, and in the absence of dose-limiting adverse events; no further increases in daily dose were permitted after Day 36; dosage reductions were permitted if required for tolerability; subjects who were not eligible for entry into the 18-week continuation study, or who were eligible but elected not to participate, were tapered off study drug at a rate of 1 mg every 7 days for up to a 6-week taper period.
  Other Name: Xanax XR

• Placebo Comparator: Placebo group
  
  Intervention: Other: placebo
• Active Comparator: Alprazolam XR group
  
  Intervention: Drug: alprazolam XR

Inclusion Criteria:

• A primary DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia based on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents
• At least an average of one 4-symptom panic attack per week over the last 4 weeks prior to screening
• At least an average of one 4-symptom panic attack per week over the last 4 weeks prior to baseline
• At least one 4-symptom panic attack in the 7 days prior to baseline

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current (in the past 6 months) DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of obsessive compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, or alcohol and/or substance dependence
• Primary DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, simple phobia, separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Any current or past history of schizophrenia or psychosis; bipolar disorder or cyclothymia; dementia, delirium or other organic brain disease; an Axis I eating disorder; mental retardation, Asperger's disorder, or any other serious developmental disorder
• A CDRS-R score >35