Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment

 # A young man of 24 years is suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder; which drug may be preferred for his problem?

a. Zolpidem

b. Buspirone

c. Midazolam

d. Triazolam

e. Phenobarbital

The correct answer is B. Buspirone.

Buspirone is the first azapirone, a new class of antianxiety drugs, distinctly different from

Benzodiazepines. 

Buspirone: 

• Does not produce significant sedation or cognitive/functional impairment.

• Does not interact with BZD receptor or modify GABAergic transmission.

• Does not produce tolerance or physical dependence.

• Does not suppress BZD or barbiturate withdrawal syndrome.

• Has no muscle relaxant or anticonvulsant activity.

Buspirone relieves mild-to-moderate generalized anxiety, but is ineffective in severe cases, in those showing panic reaction and in OCD.

Though most patients on buspirone remain alert, those operating machinery/motor vehicles should be cautioned.

Dose: 5–15 mg OD–TDS: