Medications to treat anxiety usually fall under three types: antidepressants, beta blockers and anti-anxiety drugs. Each type of drug has side effects, but the results often outweigh them. Some of these drugs begin to have an effect immediately, while others take effect more gradually.
Antidepressants
Drugs designed for people with depression often also work for anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs include Celexa (generic: citalopram), Prozac (generic: fluoxetine), Lexapro (generic: escitalopram) and Zoloft (generic: sertraline). Possible side effects include nausea, headaches, agitation, insomnia, drowsiness and a reduced libido.
Anti-anxiety Medications
Medications known as benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin (generic: clonazepam), Xanax (generic: alprazolam) and Ativan (generic: lorazepam), all can be used to treat anxiety. Clonazepam can treat general anxiety disorder and social phobia, lorazepam is used to treat panic disorder and alprazolam treats panic and general anxiety disorders. Side effects may include stomach problems, headaches, grogginess, nightmares, blurry vision and confusion. They also may include dizziness and drowsiness. Another anti-anxiety medication is Buspar (generic: buspirone). Its side effects can include nervousness, excitement, insomnia, light-headedness, headaches and dizziness.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are used more for physical manifestations of anxiety, including sweating and shakiness, rather than the actual mental issues. Side effects can include physical weakness, cold hands, dizziness and fatigue. People with diabetes or asthma generally should avoid these medications, because they tend to increase symptoms and problems.
Withdrawal
Many medications used to treat anxiety disorders produce withdrawal symptoms when a patient ceases use. The most common is the return of the anxiety. Other side effects of withdrawal include loss of appetite, insomnia, headaches, trembling and dizziness. More serious withdrawal symptoms may include seizures, psychosis and fevers.
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