An '''anxiolytic''' is any [[drug]] used in the treatment of anxiety. [[Azapirone]]s, [[benzodiazepine]]s, [[barbiturate]]s, [[meprobamate]] and non-cardioselective [[beta-receptor blocker]]s can be prescribed. For somatic symptoms [[propranolol]] and [[oxprenolol]] can be used.
Azapirones, such as [[buspirone]], are most commonly prescribed. They are chemically and pharmacologically quite different from most of the other anxiolytics and the adverse effects of dependence, sedation, and psychomotor impairment are noticeably less than with benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines are prescribed for short-term relief (the [[FDA]] recommended maximum of 8 months for most benzodiazpeines) of severe and disabling anxiety. Common medications are [[Valium]]® (diazepam) and [[Xanax]]® (alprazolam). They are used to treat a wide variety of conditions and symptoms, and are usually a first choice when short-term [[CNS]] [[sedation]] is needed. Longer term uses include severe anxiety and [[psychosis]]. There is a risk of [[withdrawal]] symptoms and rebound syndrome after only a few weeks. There is also the added problem of the accumulation of drug metabolites and adverse effects.
Certain herbs, such as [[St. John's Wort]], have been used as anxiolytics, but little reliable evidence is available for their efficacy. St. John's Wort is generally thought to be a mild [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]], or SSRI, like the prescription medications [[Prozac]]® (fluoxetine) and [[Paxil]]® (paroxetine).
