An Existing Drug Could Be Repurposed to Help Treat Panic Attacks

A Brazilian team found that minocycline, a common antibiotic, may reduce panic attacks.

In mice and 49 people with panic disorder, it lowered CO2-triggered panic responses.

The effect appears linked to reduced microglial activation and brain inflammation.

If larger trials confirm the results, minocycline could become a faster-to-approve alternative with fewer side effects.