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Calcium channel blockers for anxiety disorders?
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Summary
Calcium channel blockers may offer potential for treating anxiety disorders, though evidence remains limited. Further research is needed to confirm their efficacy as antianxiety medications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The role of calcium in anxiety etiology has been hypothesized for decades.
- Calcium channel blockers significantly impact calcium metabolism and transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on calcium channel blockers for anxiety disorders.
- To assess the potential utility of these drugs in managing anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating calcium channel blockers in anxiety.
- Analysis of open-label and double-blind reports on specific drugs like verapamil, diltiazem, nimodipine, and nifedipine.
Main Results:
- Limited studies exist, with some suggesting success in panic disorder treatment with verapamil, diltiazem, or nimodipine.
- One study reported unsuccessful treatment of anxiety and phobia with nifedipine.
Conclusions:
- Evidence for calcium channel blockers in anxiety treatment is currently weak.
- More rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are necessary to establish their role in anxiety pharmacotherapy.