Yes. I used to get panic attacks. If you've ever had a panic attack, you'd know how much hell those are. I used to wake up with them sometimes. I also had severe anxiety, and was paranoid easy.
After I started taking anti depress last yearish, the anxiety went down by around, I dunno 40%, and I'm less paranoid. I rarely have any panic attacks. As for side effects, eh, I end up with a stomach ache once in a blue moon after taking them, no real side effects. I also cannot drink any alcohol anymore, which sucks.
But ya, see a therapist if you wanna try anti depressants, they can fuck you up, if you try the wrong kind, or get the wrong dose.