Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following statements about SSRIs and SNRIs is correct?
Which of the following statements about SSRIs and SNRIs is correct?
Which of the following is the primary concern regarding gabapentin misuse and abuse, as warned by the FDA?
Which of the following is the primary concern regarding gabapentin misuse and abuse, as warned by the FDA?
What is the primary purpose of midazolam?
What is the primary purpose of midazolam?
Which of the following statements best describes the concept of 'cross tolerance' with alcohol and benzodiazepines?
Which of the following statements best describes the concept of 'cross tolerance' with alcohol and benzodiazepines?
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Which of the following benzodiazepines do NOT need the 'Do not drink grapefruit juice' label, and why?
Which of the following benzodiazepines do NOT need the 'Do not drink grapefruit juice' label, and why?
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If a patient with an anxiety disorder experiences worsening anxiety after starting an SSRI or SNRI, what is the recommended course of action?
If a patient with an anxiety disorder experiences worsening anxiety after starting an SSRI or SNRI, what is the recommended course of action?
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Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the use of benzodiazepines in patients with alcohol abuse or dependence?
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the use of benzodiazepines in patients with alcohol abuse or dependence?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between alcohol and benzodiazepines?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between alcohol and benzodiazepines?
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Study Notes
Anxiety Disorders Overview
- 18% of the U.S. population has anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Treatment of choice for mild to moderate GAD: Psychotherapy (CBT)
- Symptoms of GAD: ICREST (Irritability, Concentration difficulty, Restlessness, Energy low, Sleep disturbances, Tension of the muscles)
- Endocrine condition that can cause anxiety: Hyperthyroidism
Medications for Anxiety
- 4 classes of medications used to treat GAD: SSRIs, SNRIs, Benzodiazepines, Buspirone (Buspar)
- Medications that can cause anxiety: CNS stimulants, highly anticholinergic agents, albuterol, excessive corticosteroids
- Withdrawal from medications that can cause anxiety: benzodiazepines, alcohol, CNS depressants (opioids)
Benzodiazepines (BZDs)
- Pharmacological properties: Anxiolytic, Sedative, Muscle Relaxant, Anticonvulsant
- Withdrawal symptoms: Anxiety, Insomnia, Muscle Tension, Seizure
- Short-acting BZDs: Triazolam (Halcion), Oxazepam (Serax)
- Intermediate-acting BZDs: Temazepam (Restoril), Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Estazolam (Prosom)
- Long-acting BZD: Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- BZD to recommend for patients with compromised hepatic function: Lorazepam (Ativan), Oxazepam (Serax), Temazepam (Restoril)
- BZD for IM injections: Lorazepam (Ativan)
Interactions and Contraindications
- Avoid drinking grapefruit juice with BZDs as it increases blood concentration and risk of side effects
- Avoid drinking alcohol with BZDs as it increases sedation and CNS depression
Valium (Diazepam) and Xanax (Alprazolam)
- Most likely to be abused due to inducing relaxing effects and high potential
- Least likely to be abused: Oxazepam (Serax) due to its hydrophilic properties and less potential for a high
Flumazenil (Romazicon)
- Used for reversal agent of monotherapy BZD overdose or effects with procedures requiring midazolam
- Should not be recommended in OD of multiple meds
Panic Disorder
- Initial dose of SSRIs should be halved due to worsening anxiety symptoms before getting better
Buspirone (Buspar)
- Only approved for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Delayed onset of action (2-4 weeks) and should not be used PRN
- No sedating, muscle relaxing, or anticonvulsant properties
Vistaril (Hydroxyzine Pamoate)
- MOA: Suppression of excessive amygdala activity
Panic Attacks
- Often seen in the emergency department as a possible heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Symptoms similar to MI: palpitations or tachycardia, sweating, trembling or shaking, sensations of SOB, feeling of choking, chest pain/discomfort, nausea or abdominal distress, feeling dizzy or faint, fear of dying, paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations)
Long-term Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
- Risk of patient dependency and tolerance to BZDs
- SSRIs recommended for long-term treatment for panic disorder
PTSD
- Best long-term treatment: Psychotherapy
- Off-labeled medication for PTSD nightmares and flashbacks: Prazosin (Minipress)
Phobias
- Most common phobia: Public speaking
- Propranolol helps with decreasing heart rate, but not with the actual anxiety itself
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on anxiety disorders with these review questions covering topics like prevalence, treatment options, medications that can cause anxiety, and symptoms associated with anxiety. Practice answering true or false questions and identifying appropriate treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).