From the Guidelines
Short-term anxiety management should prioritize physician-prescribed SSRIs or anxiolytics with consideration of short-term duration, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. When managing short-term anxiety, it's essential to consider the potential benefits and risks of various treatment options.
Medication Options
- Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, alprazolam, diazepam, or clonazepam, may be prescribed for immediate anxiety relief, but their use should be limited to 2-4 weeks due to the risk of dependence and tolerance.
- For patients with substance abuse concerns, buspirone or hydroxyzine may be safer alternatives.
Non-Pharmacological Interventions
- Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, and cognitive behavioral techniques can be practiced daily to reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Physical activity, adequate sleep, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can also significantly reduce anxiety symptoms.
Treatment Approach
- The choice of intervention should be based on shared decision-making, taking into account availability, accessibility, patient preference, likelihood of adherence, and cost, as noted in the guidelines 1.
- If anxiety persists beyond a few weeks, consultation with a healthcare provider about longer-term treatment options, such as SSRIs or psychotherapy, is recommended 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Buspirone hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the management of anxiety disorder or the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. The efficacy of buspirone hydrochloride tablets has been demonstrated in controlled clinical trials of outpatients whose diagnosis roughly corresponds to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Alprazolam tablets are indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Clonazepam is used for the management of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, but it may produce physical dependence from continued therapy.
Short-term antianxiety treatments include:
- Buspirone: indicated for the management of anxiety disorder or the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.
- Alprazolam: indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.
- Clonazepam: used for the management of panic disorder, but may be used off-label for short-term antianxiety treatment.
It is essential to note that benzodiazepines (alprazolam and clonazepam) may produce physical dependence and should be used with caution and for a limited duration. Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that may be a safer alternative for long-term use. 2, 3, 4
From the Research
Short-Term Antianxiety Management
- For short-term management of anxiety disorders, several treatment options are available, including pharmacotherapy and psychological therapy 5, 6.
- Benzodiazepines are often used for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms, but their use is compromised by a poor adverse event profile and the risk of tolerance and dependence 7, 8.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are recommended as first-line treatments for anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) 5, 6.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, with benefits that can be maintained for up to 1 year after a 12-week course of therapy 9.
Treatment Options
- The following medications are commonly used for short-term antianxiety management:
- Psychological therapies, such as CBT, can also be effective for short-term antianxiety management 6, 9.
Considerations
- When selecting a treatment for short-term antianxiety management, it is essential to consider the patient's individual needs and circumstances, including comorbid conditions and potential side effects 5, 6.
- The treatment plan should be tailored to the patient's specific needs and preferences, with regular monitoring and adjustments as needed 6.