Generalized Anxiety Disorder Therapy, Associated with Pronounced Side Effects, and Prospects for the Use of Pharmacogenetic Testing: Case report

Abstract

New generation antidepressants (AD) are widely used as first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and considered safely than tricyclics. Some side effects of AD are transient and may disappear after few weeks of treatment, but potentially severe may persist for a long time or occur later. Cardiovascular disorders (abnormal heart rhythm, QT prolongation, arterial hypertension, orthostatic hypotension) are especially dangerous side effects. Genetic polymorphisms of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of antidepressants may be one of the causes of side effects development. The objective of this case report is to demonstrate that timely assessment of the risk of side effects using pharmacogenetic testing (PGx) could have influenced choice of an antidepressant, timely dose adjustment, avoiding ineffective appointments. Use of the PGx can help to optimize GAD pharmacotherapy, its introduction into clinical practice requires further research.