But some people feel anxious almost all the time, or they respond to slightly stressful events with feelings that are out of proportion to the actual situation. The constant anxiety, irrational worries, and sense of impending doom can seriously interfere with their daily lives. For people with such intense or prolonged anxiety, antianxiety drugs can help bring their feelings under control and reduce bothersome symptoms such as pounding heartbeat, breathing problems, irritability, nausea, and faintness. Physicians may sometimes prescribe these drugs for other conditions, such as sleep disorders, epilepsy, and other seizure disorders. There are two main types of antianxiety drugs, also known as anxiolytics or minor tranquilizers.
Benzodiazepines take effect fairly quickly, starting to work within an hour after they are taken.
The effects of buspirone are not felt until the drug has built up to certain levels in the body. People must take it every day for 2-3 weeks before they will notice any effects. These medicines are available only with a physician's prescription and are sold in tablet, capsule, liquid, rectal, and injectable forms. The recommended dosage may be different for different patients. The information given here involves average doses.