Benzodiazepines

Common names:

• Lorazepam
• Clonazepam
• Oxazepam
• Diazepam
• Alprazolam

These drugs have help you relax and ease tense muscles. Your doctor will watch you if you have these because they can be addictive. They are used best on a short-term basis.

Some problems are:

• Sleepiness
• Lightheadedness, particularly in older adults
• Problems thinking clearly
• Problems with balance

Beta-blockers

Propranolol

These are used to help with performance anxiety. It helps with physical symptoms such as fast heart beat, breathing problems, or shaking.

Some problems are:

• Tiredness, weakness
• Lightheadedness
• Sleepiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slow heart rate
• Breathing problems
• Depression
• Problems having sex

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Common names:

• Doxepin
• Clomipramine
• Nortriptyline
• Amitriptyline
• Imipramine
• Maprotiline
• Nortriptyline
• Desipramine
• Trimipramine
• Protriptyline

These drugs affect the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which ease anxiety. They are not addictive.

Some problems are:

• Lightheadedness
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Problems passing urine
• Weight gain
• Problems having sex such as decreased arousal, erectile dysfunction, and delayed time to orgasm
• Mood and behavior changes, such as thoughts of self-harm—young adults may be at a higher risk for this problem

Atypical Antidepressants

Common names:

• Trazodone
• Venlafaxine

These drugs affect the levels of serotonin, which ease anxiety.

Some problems are:

• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Lower sex drive
• Mood and behavior changes, such as thoughts of self-harm—young adults may be at a higher risk for this problem

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Common names:

• Isocarboxazid
• Phenelzine
• Tranylcypromine

MAOIs will keep brain chemicals from being broken down. These may help people who haven't had success with other drugs.

MAOIs can cause problems when mixed with many other types of drugs, even other antidepressants. Ask your doctor about what you will need to avoid.

When taking MAOIs, you will have to avoid:

• Alcohol
• Certain types of cheeses
• Pickled, marinated, smoked, cured, or fermented foods
• Organ meats
• Nuts and peanut butter
• Certain kinds of beans
• Onions
• Avocados
• Canned figs
• Chocolate
• Caffeine
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Some problems are:

• Changes in blood pressure—including hypertensive crisis
• Weight gain
• Problems having sex
• Sleeping problems
• Mood and behavior changes, such as thoughts of self-harm—young adults may be at a higher risk for this problem