TABLE 2.
MEDICATION | ANXIOLYTIC EFFICACY* |
ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
---|---|---|---|
fluoxetine | Panic**, PTSD* | Generic available; Long 1/2 life (No withdrawal) |
Most stimulating; Longer 1/2 life |
paroxetine | Panic**, GAD**, SAD**, PTSD** |
Generic available; Most extensively studied across these anxiety disorders; Least stimulating; No P450 3A4 effects |
Most sedating; Shorter ½ life and worse withdrawal |
sertraline | Panic**, GAD*, SAD**, PTSD** |
Well-studied across these 4 anxiety disorders; Least P4502D6 effects; Minimal P4503A4 effects; Intermediate 1/2 life (Less withdrawal) |
Most diarrhea |
citalopram | Panic* | Generic available; No P450 effects |
|
escitalopram | Panic*, GAD**, SAD* | No P450 effects | |
venlafaxine ER | Panic**, GAD**, SAD**, PTSD |
No P450 effects | Short ½ life; Withdrawal with missed dose or sudden discontinuation; Increased BP at >225 mg |
RCTs but no FDA-approved indication
FDA-approved indication as of January 2006