| Drug Class | Examples | Efficacy | Side Effects | |------------|----------|----------|----------------| | SSRIs (first-line) | Escitalopram, Sertraline | High – reduces global anxiety | Nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction | | SNRIs | Venlafaxine XR | High – especially if comorbid pain | Hypertension, withdrawal syndrome | | Pregabalin | – | Moderate-high (for GAD) | Dizziness, sedation | | Benzodiazepines (short-term) | Clonazepam | Rapid but risk of dependence | Sedation, tolerance, withdrawal seizures |
| Drug Class | Examples | Efficacy | Side Effects | |------------|----------|----------|----------------| | SSRIs (first-line) | Escitalopram, Sertraline | High – reduces global anxiety | Nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction | | SNRIs | Venlafaxine XR | High – especially if comorbid pain | Hypertension, withdrawal syndrome | | Pregabalin | – | Moderate-high (for GAD) | Dizziness, sedation | | Benzodiazepines (short-term) | Clonazepam | Rapid but risk of dependence | Sedation, tolerance, withdrawal seizures |