1. Drugs used in Anxiety & Panic Disorders
ILOs
By the end of this lecture you will be able to
Define different types of anxiety disorders
Classify types of drugs used for treatment of anxiety
Recognize the different characteristics of antianxiety drugs

2. Physical and emotional distress which interfere with normal life.
What is anxiety ?
Physical and emotional distress which interfere with normal life.

3. Emotional Symptoms of anxiety
irrational and excessive fear and worry
Irritability
Restlessness
Trouble concentrating
Feeling tense
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Sweating
Tachycardia
Stomach upset
Frequent urination or diarrhea
Sleep disturbances (Insomnia)
Fatigue

4. The effects of anxiety on performance can be shown on a curve
The effects of anxiety on performance can be shown on a curve. As the level of anxiety increases, performance efficiency increases proportionately, but only up to a point. As anxiety increases further, performance efficiency decreases. Before the peak of the curve, anxiety is considered adaptive, because it helps people prepare for a crisis and improve their functioning. Beyond the peak of the curve, anxiety is considered maladaptive, because it produces distress and impairs their functioning.
How Anxiety Affects Performance
How Anxiety Affects Performance
How Anxiety Affects Performance
How Anxiety Affects Performance

5. Types of anxiety disorders
1- Generalized anxiety
disorder
2- Panic disorder

6. 4-Post traumatic stress disorder 5- Obsessive compulsive disorder
3- Phobia
4-Post traumatic
stress disorder
5- Obsessive
compulsive
disorder

7. Treatment of anxiety
Psychotherapy
Anxiolytics

8. Classification of anxiolytic drugs:
Benzodiazepines ( BDZ ).
5HT1A agonists.
5HT reuptake inhibitors.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
beta-adrenergic blockers
MAO inhibitors

9. Benzodiazepines

10. Can be classified according to the duration of action into short, medium & long- acting

11. Mechanism of Action
Benzodiazepines act by binding to BZ receptors in the brain  enhance GABA action on brain

13. can be given parenterally Chlordiazepoxide- Diazepam (IV only NOT IM)
PHARMACOKINETICS
are lipid soluble
well absorbed orally,
can be given parenterally
Chlordiazepoxide- Diazepam (IV only NOT IM)
widely distributed.
cross placental barrier (Fetal depression).
excreted in milk (neonatal depression).

15. Pharmacological Actions Anxiolytic action.

16. Pharmacological Actions
Depression of cognitive and
psychomotor function
Sedative & hypnotic actions
Anterograde amnesia
Minimal depressant effects on
Cardiovascular system
Respiratory system
Some have anticonvulsant effect:
clonazepam, diazepam.

17. Therapeutic Uses Anxiety disorders:
short term relief of severe anxiety
General anxiety disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Panic attack with depression Alprazolam
(antidepressant effect)
Sleep disorders (Insomnia).
Triazolam, Lorazepam, Flurazepam

18. Therapeutic Uses Treatment of epilepsy Diazepam – Lorazepam
In anesthesia
Preanesthetic medication (diazepam).
Induction of anesthesia (Midazolam, IV)

19. Ataxia (motor incoordination)
Adverse Effects
Ataxia (motor incoordination)
Cognitive impairment.
Hangover: (drowsiness, confusion)
Tolerance & dependence
Risk of withdrawal symptoms
Rebound Insomnia, anorexia, anxiety, agitation, tremors and convulsion.

20. Adverse Effects
Toxic effects: respiratory & cardiovascular depression in large doses.

21. t ½ of benzodiazepines Drug interactions Examples CNS depressants
Alcohol & Antihistaminics of effect of benzodiazepines
Cytochrome P450 (CYT P450) inhibitors
Cimetidine & Erythromycin
t ½ of benzodiazepines
CYT P450 inducers
Phenytoin & Rifampicin
t 1/2 of benzodiazepines

22. Dose should be reduced in
Liver disease
Old people.
Precaution
Should not be used in
pregnant women or breast-feeding.
People over 65.

23. 5HT1A agonists Buspirone
acts as agonist at brain 5HT1A receptors
rapidly absorbed orally.
t½ : (2 – 4 h).
liver dysfunction   its clearance.

24. Buspirone Only anxiolytic No hypnotic effect. Not muscle relaxant.
Not anticonvulsant.
No potentiation of other
CNS depressants.
Minimal psychomotor and
cognitive dysfunctions.
Does not affect driving skills.
Minimal risk of dependence.
No withdrawal signs.

25. Uses of buspirone
As anxiolytic in mild anxiety & generalized anxiety disorders.

26. Disadvantages of buspirone
Slow onset of action (delayed effect)
Not effective in severe anxiety/panic disorder.
GIT upset, dizziness, drowsiness
Drug Interactions with CYT P450 inducers and
inhibitors

27. Beta Blockers Propranolol – atenolol
act by blocking peripheral sympathetic system.
Reduce somatic symptoms of anxiety.
Decrease BP & slow HR.
Used in performance anxiety.
are less effective for other forms of anxiety

29. Tricyclic Antidepressants
Doxepin- imipramine – desipramine
act by reducing uptake of 5HT & NA.
Used for anxiety especially associated with
depression.
Effective for panic attacks.
Delayed onset of action (weeks).

30. Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants
Atropine like actions (dry mouth-blurred vision).
α-blocking activity (Postural hypotension).
Sexual dysfunction.
Weight gain.

31. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Fluoxetine
acts by blocking uptake of 5HT
Orally
Delayed onset of action (weeks).
Long half life
Used for panic disorder – OCD depression-
Generalized anxiety disorders - phobia.

32. Side effects of SSRIs Nausea, diarrhea Weight gain or loss
Sexual dysfunction
Dry mouth
Seizures
Sleep disturbance

33. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Phenelzine
act by blocking the action of MAO enzymes.
Used for panic attacks and phobia.
Require dietary restriction
Avoid wine, beer, fermented foods as old cheese that contain tyramine.
Side effects
Dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea, restlessness,
dizziness.

34. Conclusion of anxiolytics
CLASSES OF ANXIOLYTICS
USES
Benzodiazepines
Generalized anxiety disorders, OCD, phobia, panic attack
SSRIs
(Fluoxetine)
Tricyclic antidepressants
(doxepin, imipramine )
anxiety with depression.
panic attacks
5HT1A agonists
(Buspirone)
Mild anxiety
Not effective in panic attack
Beta blockers
(propranolol, atenolol)
Phobia (social Phobia)

35. Conclusion of anxiolytics
CLASSES OF ANXIOLYTICS
Adverse effects
Benzodiazepines
Ataxia, confusion, dependence, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms,
SSRIs
(Fluoxetine)
weight gain, sexual dysfunction
Dry mouth
Tricyclic antidepressants
(doxepin, imipramine )
weight gain, sexual dysfunction, atropine like actions
5HT1A agonists
(Buspirone)
Minimal adverse effects
Beta blockers
(propranolol, atenolol)
Hypotension