emielie:
Don't know that I can help you much but I don't want you to feel alone so here goes.
A couple of meds that have helped my anxiety were Effexor and Lamictal. I'm pack on Prozac along with the Lamictal, but did find Effexor very helpful with the anxiety. Even got to the point driving on the freeway didn't scare me to death.
With meds being forced on you, if it's not something you're willing to take, tell you Pdoc. It's your body and you're the only one who knows what side-effects you're willing to endure till you get used to it.
There are lots of great sites about meds and their side-effects. Do a Google search on the drug and side-effects through the Google advanced search.
By researching stuff, you'll be prepared to discuss them with your Pdoc and won't be at his mercy telling you what you'll take.
One last point. The drug companies push meds on doctors who then push them on us. It's a business. You're the consumer and need to choose the 'product' that you feel most suits your needs.
take care.