Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Generalised anxiety disorder is a common condition in which anxiety settles on many different things rather than on one specific fear. What marks it out is not worry itself but worry that is difficult to control and that interferes with daily life. Ordinary stress usually eases once its cause passes, while this pattern persists.
Medicines used to treat Generalised Anxiety Disorder
Escitalopram
5 · 10 · 20mg
Escitalopram is an SSRI tablet for major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. You can choose from several strengths and pack sizes. You see the price per tablet for each option.
Paroxetine
10 · 20 · 30 · 40mg
Paroxetine tablets are an SSRI antidepressant for major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Several strengths and pack sizes are made. Each option lists its price per tablet.
Key points
- Worry that is hard to control and that gets in the way of daily life is the defining symptom, not worry on its own.
- Trouble sleeping, restlessness, irritability and difficulty concentrating often come alongside the worry.
- Talking therapy is usually advised before medicine is prescribed.
What it is
Anxiety here is not tied to one situation. It spreads across work, health, money and family, and it continues over months rather than lifting once a particular problem is resolved. Someone with the condition may recognise that the level of worry is out of proportion to the circumstances and still find it difficult to set aside.
Symptoms
Tense shoulders, headaches, an unsettled stomach and fatigue are common. Muscle pain and these bodily complaints are often the first reason a person consults a doctor, before the worry itself is mentioned. Mentally, there is a habit of expecting the worst outcome and difficulty moving attention away from the concern.
Treatment
Where medicine is prescribed, it is usually an antidepressant of the SSRI type, though other classes are used too. Escitalopram comes as 5, 10 and 20 mg tablets and Paroxetine as 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg tablets. Effexor contains venlafaxine, an SNRI, and is supplied as 37.5 mg and 75 mg tablets. Paroxetine is also used for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Orders are shipped to Malaysia from pharmacy partners in India in discreet packaging.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical help the same day if anxiety comes with chest pain, shortness of breath or thoughts of self-harm.
What the sources say
- Cognitive behavioural therapy is the usual form of talking therapy, delivered one to one or in a group with a therapist’s support. (NHS)
- A community mental health team can be involved where a fuller treatment plan is needed. (NHS)
- Treatment can help manage symptoms, but it may take time. (NHS)
Further reading
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