Anxiolytics

Question 1

What causes the poor compliance to psychotrophics?

Answer 1

Illness

Lack of insight

Side effects

Lack of communication

Patient feels better

Cost

Question 2

For what other conditions (apart from depression) are anti-depressants used?

Answer 2

Anxiety disorders - Panic disorder - OCD - Generalised anxiety disorder - PTSD Neuropathic pain states Narcolepsy

Question 3

In which disorders are benzodiazepines which?

Answer 3

Panic disorder Generalised anxiety disorder Social anxiety disorder

Question 4

When are benzodiazepines ineffective?

Answer 4

Simple phobias OCD Contraindicated in PTSD

Question 5

Which benzodiazepines are used for anxiety?

Answer 5

Diazepam

Oxazepam

Question 6

Which benzodiazepines are used for hypnosis? Why?

Answer 6

Flunitrazepam Nitraazepam Temazepam They have shorter half-lives

Question 7

What are some non-benzodiazepine hypnotics?

Answer 7

Zopiclone, zolpidem Melatonin

Question 8

What’s zopiclone? What should be considered when using?

Answer 8

A hypnotic Short course of treatment only (max 10 days) due to withdrawal Respiratory depression in overdose

Question 9

What is zolpidem?

Answer 9

A hypnotic

Question 10

What is buspirone? How does it differ from similar drugs

Answer 10

An anxiolytic

Slower onset of effect

Question 11

What are the side effects of SSRIs?

Answer 11

SSSSSAD Serotonin syndrome Sedation Sexual dysfunction Sodium (hyponatraemia) Suicidality - Akathisia (restlessness) Anti-cholinergic effects Dizziness, diarrhoea, h/a, n/v

Question 12

What are the usual biological treatments for anxiety?

Answer 12

SSRI’s - typically at a higher dose

Benzodiazepines