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Altamura AC, Moliterno D, Paletta S, et al. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of anxiolytic drugs. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2013;9(4):423-40doi: 10.1517/17425255.2013.759209.
Altamura, A. C., Moliterno, D., Paletta, S., Maffini, M., Mauri, M. C., & Bareggi, S. (2013). Understanding the pharmacokinetics of anxiolytic drugs. Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology, 9(4), 423-40. https://doi.org/10.1517/17425255.2013.759209
Altamura, Alfredo Carlo, et al. "Understanding the pharmacokinetics of anxiolytic drugs." Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology vol. 9,4 (2013): 423-40. doi: https://doi.org/10.1517/17425255.2013.759209
Altamura AC, Moliterno D, Paletta S, Maffini M, Mauri MC, Bareggi S. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of anxiolytic drugs. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2013 Apr;9(4):423-40. doi: 10.1517/17425255.2013.759209. Epub 2013 Jan 21. PMID: 23330992.
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Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2013 Apr;9(4):423-40. doi: 10.1517/17425255.2013.759209. Epub 2013 Jan 21.

Understanding the pharmacokinetics of anxiolytic drugs.

Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology

Alfredo Carlo Altamura, Donatella Moliterno, Silvia Paletta, Michele Maffini, Massimo Carlo Mauri, Silvio Bareggi

Affiliations

  1. University of Milan, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Department of Clinical Psychiatry, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy. [email protected]

PMID: 23330992 DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2013.759209

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Anxiety disorders are considered the most common mental disorders and they can increase the risk for comorbid mood and substance use disorders, significantly contributing to the global burden of disease. For this reason, anxiolytics are the most prescribed psychoactive drugs, particularly in the Western world.

AREAS COVERED: This review aims to analyze pharmacokinetic profile, plasma level variations so as the metabolism, interactions and possible relation to clinical effect of several drugs which are used primarily as anxiolytics. The drugs analyzed include benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants (pregabalin, gabapentin), buspirone, β-blockers and antihistamines (hydroxyzine). Regarding the most frequently used anxiolytic benzodiazepines, data on alprazolam, bromazepam, chlordesmethyldiazepam, chlordiazepoxide, clotiazepam, diazepam, etizolam, lorazepam, oxazepam, prazepam and clonazepam have been detailed.

EXPERT OPINION: There is a need for a more balanced assessment of the benefits and risks associated with benzodiazepine use, particularly considering pharmacokinetic profile of the drugs to ensure that patients, who would truly benefit from these agents, are not denied appropriate treatment. An optimal pharmacological approach involving an integrative pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic optimization strategy would ensure better treatment and personalization of anxiety disorders. So it would be desirable for the development of new anxiolytic drug(s) that are more selective, fast acting and free from the unwanted effects associated with the traditional benzodiazepines as tolerance or dependence.

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