Individuals taking benzodiazepines can experience a return of their anxiety symptoms when the drug is discontinued. They may also experience temporary withdrawal symptoms. These problems can be minimized if the patient and doctor work together. Beta blockers These drugs are used mainly to reduce certain anxiety symptoms like palpitations, sweating and tremors, and to control anxiety in public situations. They often are prescribed for individuals with social phobia .
Beta blockers reduce blood pressure and slow the heartbeat.
These drugs were first used for treating depression, but some are also effective in blocking panic attacks. Some individuals feel the drugs' most annoying side effect is weight gain. Other side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness and impaired sexual function. These drugs are used in the treatment of panic disorder, social phobia, PTSD and sometimes OCD, but they require dietary restrictions and some doctors prefer to try other treatments first. Anyone taking a MAO inhibitor must avoid other medications, wine and beer, and food such as cheeses that contain tyramine.