Xanax® (alprazolam) is a prescription medication commonly used for the treatment of anxiety. Although most people respond well to this drug, it is possible to develop side effects. Some people may also find that this medicine is not effective at improving their symptoms. In these situations, you may want to find a Xanax alternative.
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are the two major classes of drugs used for anxiety treatment. Common antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Anti-anxiety medications may include benzodiazepines and buspirone.
In addition to anti-anxiety medications and certain antidepressants, other medications may also be used to treat anxiety. Beta blockers (such as propranolol, metoprolol, or atenolol) are often used to treat heart conditions, but have also been found to be helpful for treating certain anxiety disorders, particularly social phobia.
(Click Anxiety Medications to learn more about these products and to find out how each of these drug classes works for anxiety treatment.)