Anxiolytics

Question 1

Hydroxyzine/Atarax

Answer 1

Pros:
Not likely to be habit-forming

Cons:
Can be sedating, yet not first line for sleep

Question 2

Gabapentin/Neurontin

Answer 2

Not good for diversion patients- can be abused
Rare, but possible dependence

Good for patients who also have neuropathic pain
Good for patients who are recovering from alcohol use disorders

Question 3

Propranolol

Answer 3

Not good for people with low BP
Can be sedating
Contraindicated in people with asthma- can cause bronchospasm

Good for people with physical anxiety symptoms
Good for performance anxiety
Good for akathisia

Question 4

Buspirone/Buspar

Answer 4

Pros
low on weight gain
low on sexual dysfunction
very safe

Cons
Usually need to take it every day (unless it is an SSRI adjunct)
Takes 4 weeks to see results