Anxiety Disorder Management Flashcards
Give 3 examples of benzodiazepines used for anxiety disorders
diazepam
lorazepam
temazepam
name 3 SSRIs
citalopram
fluoxetine
sertraline
Name 2 SNRIs
duloxetine
venlafaxine
what is the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?
facilitate and enhacne binding of GABA to the GABA-A receptor in the CNS.
Name 5 useful effects of benzodiazepines
- sedation
- anterograde amnesia
- anxiolytic actions
- anticonvulsant activity
- reduction of skeletal muscle tone
when would it be useful to use a short-acting benzodiazepine and name an example.
As a hypnotic for inducing sleep but where you don’t want person to feel sedated in the morning.
e.e. temazepam
name a long-acting benzodiazepine and state when it would be useful to use it?
diazepam or lorazepam
useful as an anxiolytic with long duration of action as it prevents anxiety recurring. you can then give smaller doses to minimise sedation
abrupt cessation of benzodiazepines produces similar state to withdrawal of what other substance?
alcohol because alcohol also works on GABA-A receptors
Name some side-effects of benzodiazepams that you should warn patients of before taking them
- drowsiness (operating machinery)
- light-headedness
- confusion (particularly in the elderly)
- they can increase effects of other sedative substances such as alcohol.
- tolerance (rebound insomnia on withdrawal can perpetuate benzo use)
- dependence
Due to dependence, how long can benzodiazepines be prescribed for?
max 2-4wks
What would be the effect of a benzodiazepine overdose?
respiratory depression due to airway obstruction
what is the mechanism of action of buspirone?
unclear but partial agonist at 5-HT and alpha1-adrenoceptors and antagonist at certain dopamine receptors
what anxiety disorders would you not use buspirone?
insomnia as it has no sedative action and it is also ineffective for panic attacks
what is the first-line pharmacological treatment for generalised anxiety disorder?
SSRIs - e.g. sertraline
what is second-line pharmacological treatment for GAD?
SNRI e.g. venlafaxine
what is 3rd line pharmacological treatment for GAD?
pregabalin
what might you prescribe to help with the physical symptoms of anxiety?
beta-blocker e.g. propanolol
would you have more withdrawal problems with a drug with a short or long half life?
long half life.
You will get withdrawal symptoms for longer with a drug with a long half life
Name some aspects of sleep hygiene
- regular sleep schedule (same time bed and wake)
- relaxing bedtime routine
- avoid stimulants e.g. caffeine
- good sleep environment
- exercise during day
- get exposure to daylight
- healthy eating