Anxiolytics

Anxiety is a particular phobia that occurs when an individual experiences excessive fear of specific things or events, whereas a social disorder occurs when the fear is associated with social events or interactions. Panic attacks are periodic and spontaneous, characterized by unexplained terror reactions such as high heart rate, perspiration, and acute fear and anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by constant anxiety, which can cause distress, disability, and depression. Individuals suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) have had terrible and life-threatening experiences that they revisit in nightmares and flashbacks. Often, the sufferer is overcome with panic, anxiety, and guilt. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurring and fresh uncomfortable thoughts, as well as repetitive and compulsive acts to relieve them.

What are the most commonly used Anxiolytics? 

Before benzodiazepines, barbiturates were used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Phenobarbital and other barbiturates were utilized as anxiety and sleep aids. But because they are safer than barbiturates, benzodiazepines have taken the place of the former upon their debut. Benzodiazepines are prohibited drugs because of their link to misuse, dependency, and withdrawal symptoms. Buspirone is another non-benzodiazepine treatment for anxiety that doesn’t cause dependence or symptoms of withdrawal. Antidepressants are an effective therapy for anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, PTSD, OCD, and GAD. 

What are Benzodiazepines commonly used for?

Benzodiazepines, such as triazolam and flurazepam, are mainly used for insomnia, while others, like diazepam, are frequently used as antianxiety drugs. The distinction between anxiolytic and hypnotic use is arbitrary, as any benzodiazepine can be used to treat anxiety or insomnia, depending on the dose.

What is the mechanism of action of Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines effectively alleviate anxiety by acting on certain GABA receptors in the brain. The inhibitory reaction of benzodiazepines to GABA receptors produces their anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant actions. For example, diazepam is an effective hypnotic, antiseizure, and anxiolytic medication. Depending on the dose, any benzodiazepine can be used to treat anxiety or insomnia; hence, the distinction between hypnotic and anxiolytic use is mostly arbitrary. 

What is Buspirone used for?
Buspirone is a nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic drug that functions similarly to SSRIs by binding to a particular serotonin receptor. It may also affect GABA receptors, but unlike benzodiazepines, it doesn’t have antiseizure activity. Buspirone’s advantage is that it doesn’t cause dependence or withdrawal symptoms with chronic use, unlike benzodiazepines.

What is the use of Antidepressants?

SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants are effective in treating anxiety disorders. 

• Paroxetine (an SSRI) is licensed by the FDA not just for depression but also for SAD, PTSD, OCD, panic disorder, and (GAD).
  • Venlafaxine (SNRI) is a medication used for the management of panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
  • Clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, can be used to treat OCD, whereas SSRIs and other tricyclic antidepressants can help with panic episodes.