Home Formulary 4.0 Central Nervous System 4.3 Antidepressant drugs 4.3.2 Antidepressants for the treatment of anxiety disorders 4.3.2.1 Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder

4.3.2.1 Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder

ChoiceDrugDosage
1st choiceNon-pharmacological treatment
2nd choiceSertraline tablets 50mg, 100mg [unlicensed indication]Dose:
Initially 25mg (half a tablet) daily, increased if necessary by increments of 25mg at intervals of at least one week to max 200mg daily

Prescribing Notes

  • GAD should be distinguished from acute anxiety state. Treatment options include psychological, pharmacological and self-help approaches.
  • Benzodiazepines are effective for short–term treatment (2-4 weeks) of GAD but there is a risk of dependence, sedation, accidents and withdrawal symptoms. Antidepressants are preferred.
  • Refer to NICE GG 159 for the management of Social Anxiety Disorder.

Cautions

See cautions here.