Janet has a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Her physician has prescribed Buspirone 15 mg daily. Janet says to the nurse, “Why do I have to take this every day? My friend’s doctor ordered Alprazolam for her, and she only takes it when she is feeling anxious.” Which of the following would be an appropriate response by the nurse? A “Alprazolam is not effective for generalized anxiety disorder.” B “Buspirone must be taken daily in order to be effective.” C “I will ask the doctor if he will change your dose of Buspirone to PRN so that you do not have to take it every day.” D “Your friend really should be taking Alprazolam every day.”
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B: “Buspirone must be taken daily in order to be effective.”
Explanation:
Buspirone and Alprazolam are both medications used to treat anxiety, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of anxiety disorders. Buspirone is specifically prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and works by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain. Unlike benzodiazepines like Alprazolam, which can be used on an as-needed basis (PRN) for acute anxiety episodes, Buspirone needs to be taken daily because it takes time to build up in the body and exert its full therapeutic effects.
Buspirone is not effective immediately upon taking a dose. It works gradually over time, so taking it consistently every day allows it to reach a steady level in the bloodstream. Missing doses can reduce its effectiveness in managing the symptoms of GAD. This is why it is important for Janet to take Buspirone daily, even if she is not experiencing symptoms of anxiety at that moment.
Alprazolam, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine that works quickly to relieve symptoms of acute anxiety by calming the nervous system. It can be prescribed to be taken as needed because it provides immediate relief but does not address the underlying cause of chronic anxiety in the long term. While Alprazolam can be effective in the short term, it is generally not recommended for long-term use due to its potential for dependency and withdrawal symptoms.
By choosing B, the nurse correctly informs Janet about the need for daily medication with Buspirone to treat generalized anxiety disorder, distinguishing it from medications like Alprazolam that are used for acute anxiety episodes.