Treatment of anxiety disorders in the short term and long term
What are the main pharmacotherapy options for treatment of anxiety disorders in the short term and long term?
SSRIs, typically starting at a low dose, are the first-line pharmacologic treatments of choice for many anxiety disorders including panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Though they may take 3 to 4 weeks to have a noticeable effect, they are effective and safe long-term treatments for anxiety disorders.
Other long-term options include SNRIs and TCAs, and there is also some evidence for use of buspirone and beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol).
Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and clonazepam, have a role as augmentative therapy in the short term for reduction of acute severe anxiety symptoms, but long-term use of these agents is associated with worsening of anxiety symptoms and developing tolerance and dependence.
