Management of Anxiety Disorders.

Question 1

Buspirone [BuSpar]

Answer 1

§ Not a central nervous system depressant
§ Has no abuse potential
§ Does not intensify the effects of central nervous system depressants § Anxiolytic effects develop slowly
§ Pharmacokinetics
§ Well absorbed after oral administration

Adverse effects
§ Dizziness
§ Nausea
§ Headache
§ Nervousness § Sedation
§ Lightheadedness § Excitement

Drug and food interactions
§ Erythromycin and ketoconazole § Grapefruit juice
§ Tolerance, dependence, and abuse
§ No withdrawal symptoms have been observed

Question 2

Venlafaxine [Effexor XR] (snri)

Antidepressants

Answer 2

First antidepressant approved for generalized anxiety disorder
§ Proved effective for both short- and long-term use
§ Nausea: Most common side effect
§ Other common reactions: Headache, anorexia, nervousness, sweating, daytime somnolence, insomnia, and hypertension