Most anti-anxiety medications belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These drugs work by slowing down the central nervous system, which helps to calm people down when they get overly nervous or anxious. One of the most commonly prescribed medicines in this class is diazepam which is sold as Valium. Other common drugs used to treat anxiety include lorazepam which is sold as Ativan, and alprazolam which is sold as Xanax.

All of these medications have similar side effects, which include feeling tired, becoming dizzy or lightheaded, and feeling unsteady or unbalanced. Since these drugs may make you feel more fatigued than usual, they should not be combined with alcohol or other drugs that may make you even sleepier and not be able to think or drive very well.

Most of the medicines used for anxiety are taken 2 to 3 times per day or as needed. Before starting one of these drugs, your doctor may perform a physical examination, blood tests and an electrocardiogram or heart tracing to make sure the medicine is safe for you. Your physician may also check your progress at regular visits every few months to see if you need to continue taking the medication or to ask you about any side effects you might have.

These medications should only be stopped very slowly under a doctor's supervision. If they are stopped too quickly, you might experience symptoms such as trouble sleeping, irritability, or feeling depressed. To avoid these side effects, check with your healthcare provider if you want to stop taking the medication.

If you have any questions about anxiety medicines, ask your healthcare provider or call the pharmacist at your local drugstore.

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