Sodium Oxybate as Off-label Treatment for Anxiety Disorder: Successful Outcome in a Low-energy Anxious Resistant Patient

We present a case in which a Spanish patient affected by resistant anxiety disorder was successfully treated with SO after an unsuccessful treatment with benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Case Presentation: Despite correct benzodiazepine and antidepressant prescriptions, the patient reported a low level of anxiety and energy, as well as sexual side effects and anhedonia, with a reduction in global functioning. We started with a standard treatment for anxiety disorder, but after a few months he reported little improvement in his anxiety level, permanence of side effects, and low energy level. We decided to start an off-label prescription of SO, prescribing 1.75 mg of GHB qid. The patient felt better, his mood was euthymic, and he did not present with anxiety. He reported good energy level and global functioning and observed a reduction in sexual dysfunctions and marked improvement in sleep. He was compliant with the whole procedure and timing of treatment. No problem occurred during the treatment procedure with regard to side effects and compliance to treatment. Final Remarks: On the basis of this result SO can be a useful and promising tool in the treatment of anxiety disorder.
Source: Addictive Disorders and Their Treatment - Category: Addiction Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research