benzodiazepines are still the "gold standard." they work quickly, they're fairly safe (much, much safer than the barbiturates that were used before...), and most of them "play well" with other prescribed drugs.

problems...long term use, especially daily use, sometimes leads to problems, even if the dosage is kept low(ish). it is what it is. drug-induced memory and cognitive problems, now and then drug induced depression, anxiety inbetween doses.

valium has a bad reputation in the US, but its still quite popular in many other countries. many experts think valium is a better benzodiazepine than, say, klonopin, because it acts quickly, has a long half life, is easier to taper/discontinue, and comes in a wide variety of pill sizes (I think there's a liquid version, too...).

other than that...gabapentin is somewhat popular, 'off-label,' for anxiety. it is not a controlled substance, but every now and then it makes someone feel good, so some doctors are not ok w/ prescribing it.

lyrica is similar to gabapentin, but its more potent, regular use is dosed 2x daily instead of 3x daily w/ gabapentin, and its a controlled substance (Schedule V, less restrictive category than the benzodiazepines, which are in Schedule IV). Lyrica is also currently patent-protected, so its more expensive than gabapentin or the benzodiazepines. stopping treatment after long term exposure requires a slow taper, similar to the benzodiazepines.

adding buspar to an antidepressant sometimes helps. its generic. kind of hit or miss, but that's true of a lot of psych drugs.

low dose tranquilizers--"atypical" and/or the older ones, too--can be used. i see that you currently take 15mgs/abilify. 20-30mgs/abilify can help reduce agitation, (hypo)mania, etc., but...some people do -not- tolerate abilify at those doses. personally, if you think a tranquilizer might help, id ask about increasing the abilify before adding another neuroleptic/tranquilizer.

anticonvulsants ("mood-stabilizers") can calm agitation, anxiety, etc. I see that you take 600mgs/trileptal. Some people take 1200mgs+ trileptal. anticonvulsants often cause cognitive and memory problems, especially when they're first started or after a dosage increase. depending on the nature of your problems, doctors sometimes prescribe 2 anticonvulsants, together. lamictal is popular in mood disorders, and it can also help reduce agitation, anxiety.

hope this helps.