Psychopharmacology for Anxiety Disorders

NUR 484, Mental Health Nursing, MCSON, Mrs. Bryant

what are some examples of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

• sertraline

• escitalopram

• paroxetine

• fluoxetine

what are SSRIs uses?

first-line for GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD

SSRIs take ___-___ weeks and may cause nausea, insomnia, and sexual side effects

4-6

what are some examples of serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)?

• venlafaxine

• duloxetine

what are SNRIs uses?

• GAD

• panic disorder

• social anxiety

SNRIs can cause nausea, insomnia, and elevated BP

what are some examples of benzodiazepines?

• lorazepam

• clonazepam

• diazepam

• alprazolam

what are benzodiazepines uses?

• short-term or PRN relief for acute anxiety/panic

what are benzodiazepines side effects?

• sedation

• dependence

• cognitive impairment

• use short-term

what is an example of anxiolytic?

buspirone

what is the use of anxiolytic?

chronic GAD

anxiolytics are non-sedating, takes ___-___ weeks, and are less effective for acute panic

2-4

what are some examples of beta-blockers?

• propranolol

• atenolol

what are the beta-blockers uses?

situational anxiety (e.g. performances)

beta-blockers reduce physical symptoms only (heart rate, tremors)

what is an example of an antihistamine?

hydroxyzine

what is the use of antihistamines?

short-term anxiety relief

antihistamines cause mild sedation and are useful if benzodiazepines are contraindicated

what is an off label drug used for anxiolytics?

anticonvulsant: Gabapentin (Neurontin)

what are the uses for off label drugs used for anxiolytics?

• off-label for GAD, social anxiety

off label drugs used for anxiolytics cause sedation, dizziness, and fatigue, NOT first-line, taper slowly