Rhiannansmoon, I take klonapin. I think its great for calming nerves. BUT there is a drawback. It makes me depressed when it wares off. It is one of the many drugs that is known to do that for some people. There is an anxiety drug that does not do that. Its called buspiron. I do take that. And it does help. Although I cannot take it in the recommended dosage because it gives me heart problems. Its the kind of drug that takes a while to work in someones system. And once you start it you continue to take it. But it does not cause depression as a side effect.
Having said that, I would always have klonapin in my house. Because, as Neurontin and Maureen said, it works quickly. Great stuff !! I think of it as sort of like valium. if you are familiar with that drug. Quick and easy. Can take it just when you need it. But I do take Busoirone (sp?) also. I have heard great things about xanax. But have no experience with it. I know its very addictive. But who cares, if it really works !!! I know someone who is taking xanax, or a close relative to it. And he has been helped a lot. He fought it for a year because it was addictive. Ended up losing a year of his life to debilitating anxiety until he surrendered and just took the stuff. He also takes an antidepressant with it. Maybe the side effects would not be as bad as the pain of the anxiety. For him it meant getting his life back again. Hope that info helps a bit. ((((safe hugs for you and everyone here who would like them))))