Final answer:
Benzodiazepines are considered the most effective anti-anxiety drugs for immediate symptom relief, while SSRIs provide a longer-term treatment option with fewer side effects. These medications should be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of anti-anxiety drugs that generally offer the highest relief for symptoms are benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, including drugs like Alprazolam (Xanax), Diazepam (Valium), and Lorazepam (Ativan), are known for their efficiency in quelling panic attacks and offering muscle relaxation, anticonvulsant activity, and sedation. They work on the central nervous system to produce calming effects. For short-term symptomatic relief of anxiety, short-acting benzodiazepines and beta-blockers are used to help manage the physical symptoms like trembling and rapid heartbeat.
In addition to benzodiazepines, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline are also commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, with an advantage of having fewer anticholinergic side effects compared to tricyclic antidepressants. However, while benzodiazepines act quickly, SSRIs may take several weeks to show their full effect.
Different anti-anxiety medications may be preferred based on the specific situation and patient needs, and they should always be taken under a doctor's supervision due to potential side effects and risk of addiction or withdrawal.