Which of the following is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders?

• A. Zolpidem
• B. Aripiprazole
• C. Alprazolam
• D. Benztropine

Answer: (C)

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine, a class of drugs that produce anxiolysis by enhancing the inhibitory effect of GABA on the GABA-A receptor, which dampens neuronal activity and reduces anxiety. It’s commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety and panic disorder because of its fast-acting relief of symptoms.

Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic used mainly for short-term treatment of insomnia and, although it acts on the GABA-A receptor, it is not classified as a benzodiazepine and isn’t used for anxiety. Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic, not a benzodiazepine. Benztropine is an anticholinergic used to treat Parkinsonian symptoms and drug-induced extrapyramidal effects, not anxiety.