Anxiolytics trazodone

Venlafaxine extended release, duloxetine, paroxetine, and escitalopram are FDA approved for treatment of GAD. Sertraline is also effective. Acute response and remission rates are approximately 65% and 30%, respectively. Imipramine may be used when patients fail to respond to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In one trial, diazepam, trazodone, and imipramine had greater anxiolytic activity than placebo. 

Venlafaxine extended-release, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), alleviates anxiety in patients with and without co-morbid depression. The reduction in psychic symptoms of anxiety and tension is not accompanied by significant reductions in somatic symptoms. Venlafaxine (dosed once daily) was effective at doses of 150 and 225 mg for 2 months in patients with GAD, and efficacy was maintained for an additional 6 months of therapy." Paroxetine was significantly more effective than placebo at achieving response in 62% and 68% of patients at 20 and 40 mg daily, respectively, after 2 months. Remission occurred in 30% and 36% of patients taking 20 and 40 mg of paroxetine, respectively." Escitalopram was more efficacious than placebo in three 8-week trials in patients with GAD. In a four paraUel-group comparison, diazepam and trazodone were found to be equivalent in anxiolytic activity (remission rates of 66% and 69%, respectively) compared with placebo (47% remission rate), but rmipramine s rate of remission (73%) exceeded that of the other three treatments. ... 

The MAO inhibitor tranylcypromine is amphetamine-like in structure but interacts only weakly at DA transporters. The phenylpiperazine nefazodone, and to a lesser extent, the structurally related trazodone have weak inhibitory actions on 5-HT transport nefazodone also may have a minor effect on NE transport. This agent also has a prominent direct antagonistic effect at S-HT receptors that may contribute to antidepressant and anxiolytic activity. Both drugs also may inhibit presynaptic 5-HTj subtype autoreceptors to enhance neuronal release of 5-HT, though they probably also exert at least partial-agonist effects on postsynaptic 5-HTj receptors. Trazodone also blocks cerebral and Hj receptors, possibly contributing to its tendency to induce priapism and sedation, respectively. 

Anxiolytic antidepressants (trazodone, venlafaxine), clonazepam (or other benzodiazepines note that, generally, benzodiazepines are not recommended for long-term use in SAD), gabapentin,... 

The older trazodone (98), composed of a related heterobicyclic and the same piperazine side chain as in (97), showed a complex pharmacological profile. Tranquillizing as well as antihypertensive properties were found in animal experiments [263]. A selectivity towards uptake inhibition of 5-HT was noted [264]. In controlled studies it proved as effective as DMI in depressive symptoms, but it had a rapid anxiolytic effect, which was not obtained with DMI [265]. 

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