Nervous system- Anxiety Flashcards
What is first line for anxiety?
SSRI
What other drugs should you be cautious with an SSRI with?
drugs that increase bleeding risk
When can withdrawal occur with SSRIs and how do you overcome this?
within 5 days of stopping. Reduce dose over a few weeks
When should you consider an alternative to an SSRI?
If initial treatment not tolerated of inadequate response after 12 weeks discontinue and consider alternative SSRI or SNRI
At what period if there is no response there is unlikely to be one
4 weeks
If SSRI or SNRI not tolerate what should you give?
pregabalin
When should you use a benzodiazepine?
Immediate management of:
- severe anxiety symptoms
- initial worsening of symptoms when starting SSRI
- short term only- up to 4 weeks including tapering
What are the signs of a benzodiazepine overdose?
drowsiness, ataxia, nystagmus and occasionally respiratory depression
What patient info should you give with benzodiazepines?
drowsiness many persist the next day and effect of alcohol enhanced
What is chlordiazepoxide used for?
short term anxiety and treatment of alcohol withdrawal in moderate/severe dependence.
Name a serotonin receptor agonist used for anxiety?
Buspirone
