What can my pcp proscribe for anxiety problems . and how do they work?

Several meds: Your pcp could prescribe a tranquilizer in the benzodiazepine ("benzo") class. These work well for occasional use, but are habit-forming. Other possibilities include certain antidepressants (eg, ssris), Buspar (buspirone) for generalized anxiety, antihistamines for mild anxiety, or "beta-blocker" to stop physical symptoms like racing heart. Often the best rx isn't a drug at all: try relaxation or therapy.