A patient is diagnosed with anxiety after describing symptoms of tension, poor concentration, and difficulty sleeping that have persisted for over 6 months. Which medication will the nurse expect the provider to order for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This patient has symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) that are not acute or severe. Buspirone is as effective as benzodiazepines but without causing CNS depression or having the same abuse potential. Symptoms develop slowly, which is acceptable in this case, since symptoms are not acute or severe. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine and would be used in the short term to treat acute, severe anxiety. Amitriptyline is a TCA used to treat panic disorder. Paroxetine is an antidepressant used as a second-line drug for GAD.

A Patient Is Diagnosed with Anxiety After Describing Symptoms of Tension