The other drug that was suggested to my friend was the generic form of Zoloft. But that one has to be taken every day and for the long term. Is one any better than the other?
antidepressants address both anxiety and depression. They can change mood without the euphoric effects of a benzo. Remember benzos use essentially the same receptors as alcohol.
If you are talking about spot using a benzo to get through an issue, like panic attack or flying or a sudden death in family, benzo makes sense. If you are talking about long term anxiety/depression symptoms, antidepressant makes sense.