Drug

Use

Side Effects/Cautions

Acetylinic Alcohol

Placidyl (ethclorvynol, a sedative-hypnotic)

Benzodiazepines

Ativan (Lorazepam)

Librium (chlordiazepoxide) Serax (oxazepam)

Valium (diazepam) Tranxene (clorazepate) Restoril (temazepam) Xanax (alprazolam) Klonopin (clonazepam) Halcion (triazolam)

Short-term, for specific stress

See Propanediol Carbamates; also:

Confusion

Ataxia

Hypotension

Exaggerated depression (muscle weakness and deep sleep)

Drowsiness

Lethal overdose with alcohol

High risk for dependency with long-term

use; taper gradually over 2-6 wk

Symptoms with abrupt withdrawal: irritability, dizziness

Do not use in pregnancy

Beta-Adrenergic Blocker

Inderal (propranolol hydrochloride)

Stage fright

Relief of physical signs of anxiety (tachycardia)

Hypotension

Bradycardia

No risk of dependence or abuse

Buspirone Hydrochloride BuSpar

Long-term use

Less sedation; no risk of dependence Delayed effect (3 wk); no CNS depression

Diphenylmethane Antihistamine Atarax (hydroxyzine hydrochloride) Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate)

Safe for long-term use

No risk of physical dependency or abuse; minimal toxicity

May cause drowsiness

Propanediol Carbamates

Equanil (meprobamate, a sedativehypnotic)

Rarely used

Drowsiness

High risk for tolerance, addiction, and overdose Withdrawal symptoms: insomnia, anxiety, hallucination, seizures

CNS depressant

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Anafranil (clomipramine) Tofranil (imipramine)

Prevention of panic attacks Severe obsessive-compulsive disorder

Dry mouth Blurred vision Constipation