The possibilities of using effective anti-anxiety therapy in the practice of a neurologist

Abstract

According to the diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder in ICD-10, the obligatory symptoms of anxiety are somatic (vegetative) manifestations, represented by a whole spectrum of disorders vital to the patient: cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, gastrointestinal, urogenital, thermoregulatory, motor. Classic benzodiazepine drugs, such as phenazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam, are quite effective in anxiolytic therapy. However, they have pronounced side effects, such as decreased reaction speed, drowsiness, weight gain, decreased libido, nervousness, headache, and others. With long-term use, side effects develop in more than 90% of patients. Side effects can significantly impair the patient’s quality of life and carry many hidden disorders of mental and somatic health. Etifoxine has a unique mechanism of action that includes allosteric effects on GABA(A) receptors and modulation of neurosteroid metabolism. It is effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders, reducing somatic and mental manifestations of anxiety. Etifoxine also has anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic effects. It does not cause dependence and withdrawal syndrome, does not affect psychomotor functions, and has high safety. Studies show that etifoxine can be recommended for widespread use in general medical practice as an effective and safe drug for daytime use to alleviate anxiety in various comorbid pathologies, especially in general neurological practice. It is a valuable tool for improving the quality of life of patients with anxiety disorders, especially when there are accompanying somatic manifestations of anxiety and comorbid neurological pathology.