Benzodiazepines are medications which are sedatives and muscle relaxants and as such are often used as anti-anxiety drugs. They are used most often in emergency episodes of stress or depression to get a handle on the immediate crisis and to clear the way for more conventional drug and cognitive-behavioral therapies to move forward.
They work by effective levels of Gamma-AminoButyric Acid (GABA) in the brain, the most prolific of the brain's inhibitory receptors. The list of benzodiazepines would include alprazolam (sold as Xanax) and diazepam (sold as Valium). Beyond the predictable sedative side effects of drowsiness, confusion, vertigo, and impaired judgment, the primary caution in taking these drugs is the fear of addiction. They are extremely good at what they do but should not be used on a long-term basis.
AZAPIRONES
These drugs, used to treat anxiety, include buspirone (Buspar), gepirone, and ipsapirone.
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They work on serotonergic neurotransmission and are not addictive. Side effects with these drugs are rare but may include vertigo, headaches, nervousness, confusion, increased depression, heart palpitations, dry mouth, and joint and muscle pain. These drugs also interact with monamine oxidase inhibitors, alcohol, and even with something as simple as grapefruit.
BETA-BLOCKERS
These drugs block the action of norepinephrine and epinephrine in the heart, peripheral blood vessels, pancreas, liver, and bronchi. As such they are calming agents often prescribed for anxiety, migraines, and withdrawal from alcohol addiction.
For instance, Atenolol is a Beta I that is cardio selective and would be used for patients with peripheral vascular disease among others. Atenolol side effects are considerably fewer than for the similar drug propanolol which can, in some patients actually cause heart failure and promote increased emotional instability.
Reports of proanolol anxiety indicate that use of this drug requires careful monitoring by a physician.
Should I Consult My Doctor First?
None of these drugs should be used without the supervision of a physician. Thankfully all are prescription medications but, of course, can be bought illegally as any drug can. All carry the risk of side effects and interactions and are not appropriate for casual use. If you feel that your depression or anxiety is serious enough to require drug treatment, see your doctor.
Most likely for "normal" cases of depression a doctor will prescribe from the SSRI class of drugs. These anti-depression drugs are many times the best anti-anxiety drugs and have proven effective across a wide range of disorders with few serious side effects.
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