An anxiolytic agent and a serotonin receptor agonist belonging to the azaspirodecanedione
class of compounds. Its structure is unrelated to
those of the benzodiazepines, but it has an efficacy comparable to Diazepam.
Anxiety
Persistent feeling of dread, apprehension, and impending disaster.
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Articles]
Pharmacologic Action
Anti Anxiety Agent
Agents that alleviate anxiety, tension, and neurotic symptoms, promote sedation, and have a calming effect without affecting clarity of consciousness or neurologic conditions. Some are also effective as anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, or anesthesia adjuvants. Adrenergic beta-antagonists are commonly used in the symptomatic treatment of anxiety but are not included here.
Serotonin Agonist
Agents that have an affinity for serotonin receptors and are able to mimic the effects of serotonin by stimulating the physiologic activity at the cell receptors. These compounds are used as antidepressants, anxiolytics, and in the treatment of migraine.
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08 Sep 2008
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Psychiatric and Somatic Markers of Anxiety: Identification and Pharmacologic Treatment
Anxiety disorders are widely prevalent but insufficiently recognized and inadequately treated
in primary care practice. The annual costs of morbidity and mortality of these disorders
approach $50 billion, substantially more than costs for schizophrenia or all affective
disorders combined. Somatization of anxiety contributes to the challenges of making an
accurate diagnosis and to the indirect costs associated with delaying appropriate treatment.
Pharmacologic interventions give clinicians the necessary tools to treat anxiety safely and
effectively. Former therapeutic choices were limited to benzodiazepines, buspirone,
and older antidepressants, but newer anxiolytic agents have become available. The selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors and agents with dual reuptake inhibition, such as venlafaxine XR,
are optimizing therapy and yielding less risk for serious adverse events, greater safety in
long-term therapy, and opportunity for improved patient compliance. These newer
antidepressants provide substantial efficacy in patients with comorbid
anxiety and depression, commonly seen in the primary care setting.
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