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What are the possible side effects of anti-anxiety medications?

Like other medications, anti-anxiety medications may cause side effects. Some of these side effects and risks are serious. The most common side effects for benzodiazepines are drowsiness and dizziness.
Other possible side effects include:
Nausea
Blurred vision
Headache
Confusion
Tiredness
Nightmares

Tell your doctor or PA if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Unsteadiness
Problems with coordination
Difficulty thinking or remembering
Increased saliva
Muscle or joint pain
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Changes in sex drive

If you experience any of the symptoms below, call your Health Provider immediately:
Rash
Hives
Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Hoarseness
Seizures
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Depression
Difficulty speaking
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
Difficulty breathing

Common side effects of beta-blockers include:
Fatigue
Cold hands
Dizziness or light-headedness
Weakness

Beta-blockers generally are not recommended for people with asthma or diabetes because they may worsen symptoms related to both.

Possible side effects from buspirone include:
Dizziness
Headaches
Nausea
Nervousness
Lightheadedness
Excitement
Trouble sleeping

Anti-anxiety medications may cause other side effects that are not included in the lists above. To report any serious adverse effects associated with the use of these medicines, please contact the FDA MedWatch program using the contact information at the bottom of this page. For more information about the risks and side effects for each medication, please see Drugs@FDA.