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Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Generalised anxiety disorder is a common condition in which anxiety attaches to many different things rather than one specific fear. What marks it out is not worry itself but worry that is hard to control and interferes with daily life.

Lexapro

Escitalopram

5mg · 10mg · 20mg

Escitalopram tablets for depression and generalised anxiety disorder. It boosts serotonin levels in the brain, helping stabilise mood.

From$0.49/ tabletView

Effexor Xr

Venlafaxine

37.5mg · 75mg · 150mg

Venlafaxine capsules for depression and generalised anxiety. They raise both serotonin and noradrenaline, a broader action than SSRIs.

From$1.07/ capsuleView

Buspar

Buspirone

5mg · 10mg

Buspirone tablets for generalised anxiety disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, it is not a sedative and does not cause dependence.

From$0.60/ tabletView

Atarax

Hydroxyzine

10mg · 25mg

Hydroxyzine tablets for generalised anxiety and itching. It is a sedating antihistamine, which is why it is sometimes used for short-term anxiety relief.

From$0.66/ tabletView

Key points

  • Alongside persistent worry, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, irritability and trouble concentrating are common features.
  • Talking therapy, usually cognitive behavioural therapy, is generally tried before medicine is considered.
  • Where medicine is used, it is usually an antidepressant of the SSRI type.
  • Treatment can help manage symptoms but may take time to work.

Medicines listed for Generalised Anxiety Disorder

The four products listed for generalised anxiety disorder cover three medicine classes. Escitalopram and Venlafaxine fall under antidepressants, supplied as tablets and capsules respectively. Buspirone is an anxiolytic tablet, and hydroxyzine is an antihistamine tablet also listed for this condition. Three of the four are tablets; one is a capsule.

Further reading