Which medication is commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders?

The correct answer is represented by a medication that is widely recognized for its efficacy in treating anxiety disorders. Xanax, which is a brand name for alprazolam, belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. These drugs are specifically designed to provide rapid relief from anxiety symptoms by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Xanax is commonly prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and anxiety associated with depression due to its fast-acting nature, making it very effective for short-term management of anxiety symptoms.

Other medications mentioned, while they may be used in psychiatric settings, serve different primary purposes. Prozac, or fluoxetine, is primarily an antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class, effective mainly for major depressive disorder and some anxiety disorders but typically not as a first-line treatment for acute anxiety. Adderall, which combines amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, is primarily indicated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, and it can actually exacerbate anxiety symptoms in some individuals. Lexapro, or escitalopram, is also an SSRI used for