Post Response: Sunzarae Johnson
Hello, your post provides a comprehensive and informative take on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and applicable treatment methods. I am inclined to agree with you that pharmacological alternatives, specifically SSRI treatment should be the first line of defense against GAD. However, when using SSRI, it is critical to monitor plasma concentrations to ensure they do not affect the PD process (Garakani et al., 2020). Plasma concentration determines the patient’s ability to eliminate the medication through urine. Clinicians should also monitor the dosages to prevent liver and kidney damage during conversion of medications to inactive glucuronide (Strawn et al., 2018). Your post mentions the use of fluoxetine in PK treatments of GAD. In the event the medication is not available, the patient can receive equal doses of sertraline or paroxetine. However, it is important to note that the two alternatives are less tolerated by the human body.
References
Garakani, A., Murrough, J. W., Freire, R. C., Thom, R. P., Larkin, K., Buono, F. D., & Iosifescu, D. V. (2020). Pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders: current and emerging treatment options. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 595584. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.595584
Strawn, J. R., Geracioti, L., Rajdev, N., Clemenza, K., & Levine, A. (2018). Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review. Expert Opinion On Pharmacotherapy, 19(10), 1057–1070. https://doi.org/10.1080/14656566.2018.1491966
Post Response: Efosa Ehigie
Concise, detailed and well-structured are some of the views I have of your post. I appreciate how you separated the comparison of GAD medications into tabular form, simplifying its understanding. In a much as your post focuses on the long-term management of the disorder, it is good to note that the potential for abuse and onset of anxiety symptoms both influence the PD processes, especially the choice of medication (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). The patient’s tolerance to medication and potential for abuse are two critical factors in the treatment of GAD. For instance, Buspirone is recommended because it often contains no side effects and it does not amplify depressive symptoms. Strawn et al., (2018) recommends the use of duloxetine and venlafaxine in PK treatment because of their less elevated levels of dysphoria and drowsiness. The clinician should use these two medications when working with patients that must not experience any withdrawal symptoms.
References
Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2021). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants (2 ed.) Elsevier.
Strawn, J. R., Geracioti, L., Rajdev, N., Clemenza, K., & Levine, A. (2018). Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review. Expert Opinion On Pharmacotherapy, 19(10), 1057–1070. https://doi.org/10.1080/14656566.2018.1491966