Generic Name

Brand name

Dosage

Side-effects

Comments

clorazepate dipotassium

Tranxene T Tabs, Tranxene-SD

Tranxene-SD half strength

Varies from 3.75, 7.5 or 15 mg T tablets tid up to Tranxene SD half strength (11.25 mg) or Tranxene-SD 22.5 mg tablets prn

Most common side-effect is sedation with drowsiness.  Other central nervous system side-effects include dizziness, headache, nervous feeling, confusion.  Also may have dry mouth or blurred vision

This may be a helpful medication in fibromyalgia patients where anxiety is a significant factor.  It works well in temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)

alprazolam

Xanax

May vary from .125 up to usually 1 mg bid, tid or qid.  Some patients may just take it at bedtime only

Drowsiness, light-headedness, depression, headaches, confusions, dizziness, dryness of the mouth, constipation

It is particularly useful in generalized anxiety or panic disorders.  It has been shown to be of benefit in fibromyalgia patients.  There is a danger of dependence on this medication if it is abused.  If the patient abuses it, they may also experience withdrawal symptoms if they discontinue it abruptly.  Other medicines may significantly increase the levels of Xanax in the blood including Serzone (nefazodone) and Tagamet (cimetidine)

buspirone hydrochloride HCl

BuSpar

5, 7.5 or 15 mg bid or tid up to a maximum of 60 mg per day, but generally used in the 20 to 30 mg per day range

Central nervous system side-effects with dizziness, light-headedness, headache, nervousness or nausea

This is not considered a controlled substance and has not shown a serious potential for abuse or dependence