Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and phobias. Benzodiazepines and antidepressants are often used to treat anxiety disorders. RxList.com explains that benzodiazepines reduce the activity of nerves in the brain by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA. Common anxiety drugs include Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin and Valium. A certain type of antidepressant medication acts on the neurotransmitter serotonin and these drugs are therefore called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. SSRIs, such as Zoloft and Paxil, effect mood and emotions.
Xanax
Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine that provides short-term relief from anxiety-related symptoms such as increases in heart rate and breathing rate. Side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, confusion, fatigue and tremors. According to Drugs.com, Xanax is usually not prescribed to treat anxiety from everyday stress. Xanax is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and phobias.
Ativan
Ativan, or lorazepam, is another benzodiazepine used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and phobias, and it can be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms in the absence of a disorder for a maximum of 4 months. Side effects include dizziness, unsteadiness, weakness and drowsiness. Drowsiness may impair patients' ability to drive and patients should therefore avoid driving while taking this drug.
Klonopin
Clonazepam is the generic name for Klonopin, another benzodiazepine used to treat panic disorder and phobias. Sleepiness, fatigue, dizziness and depression are common side effects. Klonopin can also cause constipation, respiratory infections, inflamed sinuses and menstrual problems. Like all benzodiazepines, this medication can be habit-forming and it will become less effective if a patient develops a tolerance for its effects. Overdose may lead to coma.
Valium
Valium, or diazepam, is a fast-acting and highly addictive benzodiazepine. It may be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and phobias, as well as symptoms of anxiety on a short-term basis. Valium use can cause dizziness, fatigue, light-headedness and drowsiness. Chronic use of Valium can result in a physical dependence.
Zoloft
Zoloft, the brand name for sertraline, is a popular antidepressant that is also effective for the treatment of many types of anxiety disorders. According to Zoloft.com, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of Zoloft for social anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Unlike other antidepressants, Zoloft is not associated with weight gain. In addition, Zoloft is not habit-forming like the above mentioned benzodiazepines.
Paxil
Paxil, or paroxetine chloride, is another antidepressant that is an effective treatment for a number of anxiety disorders. Like Zoloft, it is FDA-approved for the treatment of social anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, unlike Zoloft, Paxil is also an FDA approved medication for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Unfortunately, it can take up to four weeks for symptoms to improve.
