Treatment for anxiety with medications can help with six broad problems: panic attacks; obsessions and worries; general anxiety; simple phobias; social anxieties or phobias; and a combination of depression and anxiety or panic. In this section you will read about the medications that researchers have identified to be the most successful in treating each of these problems.

The following Introduction lists all of the primary medications in two ways.  First, you will see them grouped according to their chemical make-up.  Then, each diagnostic category is listed, with descriptions of useful medications for that disorder. 

In the section Guidelines for Using Anxiety Medication are a number of topics that may be useful to you.  Here is a list of those topic headings:

• Begin by Obtaining an Accurate Diagnosis.
• There Is No Magic Pill.
• Don't Suffer Needlessly To Prove You Are "Strong".
• If You Decide to Use a Medication, Give It a Fair Trial.
• Be Willing to Tolerate Some Side Effects of Medications.
• You and Your Doctor Can Decide How Long You Will Remain on Medication.
• You Must Taper Off These Medications Gradually.
• Medications Are Optional.

See the section Medication Profiles for a detailed description of each medication, including benefits, advantages, side effects, dosages, and disadvantages.

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.

next: Types of Anxiety Medications

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Reviewed: 02/2006