| Choice | Drug | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 1st choice | Non-pharmacological treatment | |
| 2nd choice | Sertraline tablets 50mg, 100mg [GAD unlicensed indication] | Dose: Initially 25mg (half a tablet) daily for one week, then increased to 50mg daily, then increased in steps of 50mg at intervals of at least 1 week if required, increase only if response is partial and if drug is tolerated; maximum 200mg per day. |
Prescribing Notes
- Refer to NICE CG113 Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder
- GAD should be distinguished from acute anxiety state. Treatment options include psychological, pharmacological and self-help approaches
- NICE state: Do not offer a benzodiazepine for the treatment of GAD in primary or secondary care except as a short term measure during crises
- Refer to NICE GG159 for the management of Social Anxiety Disorder
Cautions
See section 4.3.1