Ott Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Flashcards
Drugs that can cause anxiety
-Albuterol
-Caffeine (high dose 800mg)
-Decongestants
-Levothyroxine
-Steroids
-Stimulants (ADHD meds)
What are the medications used to treat anxiety disorders?
-Buspirone
-BZDs
-SSRIs
-SNRIs
-Hydroxyzine
-Herbal supplements
Buspirone mechanism of action
Serotonin (5HT)-1a receptor agonist
Buspirone approved indicated use
Generalized anxiety disorder
How long does it take buspirone to take effect?
3-4 weeks for initial effectiveness
Buspirone dosing
Should be dosed with a target of 10 mg - 15 mg three times daily (30 mg - 40 mg total/day)
BZD clinical pearls
-Many treatment guidelines do not support the use of BZDs in routine practice due to misuse potential, but the effect size for efficacy in anxiety disorders is higher than serotonergic antidepressants in some studies
-Long-term use is not recommended due to risk of dependence and tolerance
-Acute withdrawal of BZDs may lead to seizures that can be life-threatening (requires slow taper over weeks to months)
-Warnings for the use of BZDs with other CNS depressants and overdose death risk - specific warnings for co-prescribing with opioids
-May be inappropriate in the elderly
Which BZDs do not have an active metabolite?
-Alprazolam
-Lorazepam
-Clonazepam
-Oxazepam
-Less likely to accumulate but still have a fall risk
Which BZDs have a long-acting active metabolite?
-Diazepam
-Clorazepate
-Chloriazepoxide
BZD side effects
-Sedation
-Paradoxical excitement
-Swallowing difficulties
-Impairment of memory and recall
-Psychomotor impairment
When is hydroxyzine used?
-Hydroxyzine pamoate is FDA-approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (can also use HCl salt for lower 10 mg dose)
-“as needed” for anxiety or insomnia instead of a BZD
Hydroxyzine side effects
-Sedation
-Anticholinergic side effects
-QTc prolongation risk
-Avoid use in the elderly due to anticholinergic side effects and fall risk
What is propranolol used to treat?
-Decrease physiological symptoms of acute anxiety (tachycardia, sweating, flushing)
-Useful for performance and situational anxiety
How to dose propranolol
Low doses - 10 mg - 20 mg - three times daily or LA dosage form
Propranolol monitoring
Evaluate for history/current asthma and cardiovascular conditions
Natural products used for anxiety
-Kava
-St. Johns wort
-Passionflower
-Valerian
-Chamomile
Kava side effects
-Hepatotoxicity
-May cause platelet aggregation
-May aggravate symptoms of Parkinsons disease
St. Johns wort clinical pearls
-Likely a mild MAO inhibitor
-Can increase the chance of serotonin syndrome
-Commonly used for anxiety and depression
-Strong 3A4 inducer
-Watch for drug interactions
Valerian clinical pearls
-May have properties similar to BZDs
-Avoid use in pregnancy
-Reports of hepatotoxicity
Passionflower clinical pearls
-May cause dizziness, ataxia, confusion
-Avoid use in pregnancy due to uterine stimulation and induction of early labor
Chamomile clinical pearls
-Avoid with blood thinners and ragweed allergy
Lavender clinical pearls
-Decrease blood pressure
-Constipation
-Headache
-Increased appetite
Lemon balm clinical pearls
GI upset
When can gabapentinoids be used?
May be considered in patients with bipolar disorder who has anxiety symptoms or comorbid neuropathic pain