RxFiles Anxiety

Anxiety Newsletter, May 2023

A selected collection of the documents below.

Management of SSRI or SNRI Non-Response in Anxiety

Compares management options for anxiety after initial SSRI non-response.

Benzodiazepines in Anxiety Infographic

An infographic describing who are, and who are not, good candidates for benzodiazepines in anxiety.

Anxiety Overview and Drug Chart

An overview of anxiety management and side-by-side comparison of drug therapy.

Benzodiazepine Drug Chart

Side-by-side comparison of benzodiazepines for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.

Pediatric Anxiety and Pediatric Depression

A drug comparison chart on the medications available for treating anxiety and major depressive disorder in children and adolescents.

Anxiety FAQs

What is the role for psychological treatment in anxiety?
How are antidepressants (SSRI/SNRIs) dosed for an anxiety disorder?
How long is an adequate antidepressant (SSRI/SNRI) trial for an anxiety disorder?
What is the evidence for select 2nd or 3rd line pharmacological options in treating anxiety?
What is the role of beta-blockers in treating anxiety?
What is the role of vortioxetine TRINTELLIX in treating anxiety?
What is the role of hydroxyzine in treating anxiety?
What is the role of antipsychotics in treating anxiety?
What is the role of cannabis in treating anxiety?
How is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) treated?
How is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treated?
How is anxiety with comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated?
Which anti-anxiety medications are safest during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding?

Cannabis in Anxiety FAQ

What is cannabis/cannabinoids?
How does cannabis work?
How is cannabis used?
Is there evidence to support the use of cannabis for anxiety disorders?
What are the risks associated with cannabis use?
How can the risks of harm from cannabis use be minimized?
What are some talking points to consider for patients using cannabis for anxiety?

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Antidepressants Q&A

Should antidepressants be discontinued before or during pregnancy?
Is there any harm in not treating depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy & postpartum?
What is the role for non-pharmacological therapies during pregnancy?
Which antidepressants are considered the safest during pregnancy?
Are paroxetine and fluoxetine associated with congenital malformations?
Are SSRIs associated with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn?
Are antidepressants associated with neonatal behavioural syndrome?
Which antidepressants are considered safe during breastfeeding?

Mental Health Resource Toolkit

Support pathways and non-medication options to help manage mental health conditions (many are Saskatchewan-specific).

Non-Drug Treatment to Improve Mental Health Prescription Pad

A prescription pad for prescribing non-drug therapy for mental health conditions. Free to access.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Patient Resource

Describes how cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help for anxiety, and how to access it.

Anxiety Patient Handout

Education about anxiety for patients and caregivers.

Benzodiazepine Treatment Agreement

A template for setting expectations and boundaries prior to starting a benzodiazepine. Also available as an editable Microsoft Word file.

Antidepressant Drug Comparison Charts

Describes how to select initial therapy, management of adverse effects, special populations, how to switch antidepressants, how to discontinue antidepressants, and compares all antidepressant classes side by side.

Benzodiazepines in Anxiety Patient Booklet

Support booklet for motivating patients to taper their benzodiazepine for anxiety.

Available in colour or in black and white for easy printing.

A hard copy of this booklet is also available for purchase in our online store (free for health care providers in Saskatchewan; email info@rxfiles.ca).

RxFiles: Anxiety