Anxiety Treatment- Special Populations

Question 1

Considerations for elderly patients and anxiety treatment

Answer 1

they have different PK/PD because of decreased metabolism and Vd changes, organ function decreases, increased risk of falls, increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects, EPS, orthostasis, EKG changes, etc.

Question 2

Considerations for anxiety treatment for children

Answer 2

Benzos should be used last line, but if needed, use for shortest duration possible

Question 3

Considerations for anxiety treatment in pregnancy

Answer 3

NO PAROXETINE OR BZDs, most SSRIs and TCAs show no consistent increased risk of malformation

Question 4

Considerations for anxiety treatment in breastfeeding

Answer 4

Can use paroxetine, sertraline, and nortriptyline; NO FLUOXETINE OR BZDs