Everyone suffers from a bit of anxiety at times. Anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations. When anxiety interferes with daily living, it indicates there is a problem. According to MedlinePlus, there are different degrees of anxiety, from mild to severe. They include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobias and generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD. There are a number of medications available to treat anxiety.
Buspar
Buspar belongs to the class of drugs called azapirones. According to Drugs.com, Buspar works by affecting the neurotransmitters in the brain. Buspar is used to treat GAD. It must be taken for at least two weeks for it to become effective. Side effects include dizziness, headache, dry mouth and nausea. Buspar should not be taken along with MAOI antidepressants. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided while taking Buspar.
Xanax
Xanax, a benzodiazepine, is another medication used to treat anxiety, panic disorder and phobias. It works by calming the brain, enhancing the effects of a brain chemical, according to MedlinePlus. Some side effects of Xanax include drowsiness and irritability. Any serious side effects, such as seizure, hallucination or mental confusion, need to be reported to a medical professional immediately.
Paxil
Paxil is an antidepressant medication, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or SSRI, also used to treat anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Paxil is prescribed at low doses for anxiety associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and GAD. Paxil works by influencing the neurotransmitters in the brain. It needs to be taken for four to six weeks before any benefit is seen. Side effects include nausea and the jitters.
Inderal
Inderal is a beta-blocker medication used to treat heart disease. One of its actions is to inhibit the production of adrenaline in the body. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Inderal is prescribed for treating social phobias, such as fear of public speaking. The side effects of Inderal include dizziness and nausea.
Klonopin
Klonopin is a benzodiazepine drug and is used to treat anxiety associated with panic disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Klonopin is prescribed for short periods, no longer than a year, because people get used to it and require higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect. The main side effect of Klonopin is drowsiness.
Ativan
Ativan is another benzodiazepine drug. It works by producing a calming effect on the brain. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Ativan is used for panic disorder and GAD. Alcohol should be avoided while taking Ativan, as it enhances its effects. Side effects of Ativan include drowsiness and insomnia. There is the chance of becoming dependent on Ativan, so dosages must be closely monitored.
Nardil
Nardil belongs to the drug class called MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. It is an antidepressant used to treat GAD and phobias, according to PDR Health. Nardil interacts with many foods, such as dried meats and soybean products. Medications contained in some cough medicines, nasal sprays and weight-loss drugs can also interact negatively with Nardil. Other side effects include dizziness and weight gain. Some patients on Nardil have suicidal thoughts and must be closely monitored by a medical professional.
