Depending on the person's symptoms of anxiety and needs, he might consider taking benzodiazepines or beta-blockers short term to decrease unpleasant symptoms of anxiety. When considering anxiety medications, you should always consult your physician and therapist.
Basics
You may need short-term medication for anxiety if you have a fear of traveling, hate speaking in public and have an upcoming speech, or suffer from anxiety that can usually be treated with therapy but have something that is triggering your anxiety to become more severe, such as an interview.
Type
The most common type of medication prescribed short term for anxiety is benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, diazepam and lorazepam.
Benefits
Some benzodiazepines, anti-anxiety medications, begin taking effect within 30 minutes of taking them. Antidepressants are often prescribed for long-term anxiety issues, because they can take up to eight weeks to become fully effective.
Considerations
If you suffer more from physical symptoms of anxiety and need the medication for a speech or interview, you might consider beta-blockers. They help decrease the physical symptoms of anxiety.
Warning
Benzodiazepines are known to be habit-forming and addictive, so you should discuss the pros and cons of taking this type of medication with your doctor.
