Treating anxiety with the prescribed medications can help with six broad sub types of anxiety disorder: general anxiety; panic attacks; simple phobias; obsessions and worries; social anxieties or phobias; and a combination of depression and anxiety or panic.

Because of medical advances, you doctor will have a lot of options as far as medications that researchers have identified to be the most successful in treating each of these problems.

Please know that new medications are continually being tested for anxiety problems. For the most current developments, consult with a psychiatrist who specializes in treatment of the anxiety disorders.

Anti-Anxiety Medications: Use Only When Under Your Physician’s Supervision

When taken in combination with other medications, anti-anxiety drugs can harm you. Indeed, if used inappropriately along with alcohol, painkillers, or sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medications can even be lethal. A tragic example is the actor Heath Ledger, who reportedly died from a toxic combination of several types of drugs, including painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs, and an over-the-counter cold medication.

Always remember that if you are older or have many other health issues, anti-anxiety medications may increase your level of consciousness, and so increase your risk of falls and accidents. Additionally, pregnant women should not take anti-anxiety drugs. Since some anti-anxiety drugs can be addictive, anyone with a history of substance abuse should also avoid these drugs. Anti-anxiety medications should only be taken under the close supervision of your doctor.

Anti-Anxiety Medications: Options, Side Effects and Warnings 
 
The two main anti-anxiety drugs are benzodiazepines, or tranquilizers. These drugs slow down the transmission of nerve impulses in your brain, which can help curb symptoms of anxiety. Commonly used benzodiazepines include Diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), and alprazolam (Xanax).

Benzodiazepines function by easing down brain activity. While this is desirable for reducing anxiety symptoms, it can also dampen feelings of pleasure that make life more enjoyable.

Some unwanted side effects of benzodiazepines are dizziness, memory problems, confusion, and sleepiness. Additionally, depression is associated with long-term benzodiazepine use, and it is also possible to become physically dependent on these medications.