Post a discussion of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics related to anxiolytic medications used to treat GAD.

Comparison of pharmacologic alternatives for treating the

Pharmacokinetics describes the way in which medications are absorbed, dispersed, metabolized and excreted from the body. Anxiolytics are used for treating General Anxiety Disorder. These drugs have rapid absorption and a typical half-life between 1-4 hours. This means that the medications are quickly metabolized, and they need to be taken frequently throughout the day. They are also often lipophilic, allowing them to be more bioavailable and easier to reach certain receptors within the body.

In contrast, pharmacodynamics is the study of how drugs interact with proteins in cells to achieve desired results such as reduced anxiety or better sleep. This could include increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and gamma aminobutyric (GABA), which will help to reduce stress while allowing individuals to better cope with GAD. Both pharmacokinetics as well as pharmacodynamics are important when developing treatments for GAD, but finding the right balance is crucial to maximizing their therapeutic effectiveness.