Which medication listed is a benzodiazepine commonly used for phobias?

• A. Sertraline
• B. Xanax/alprazolam
• C. Buspar/buspirone
• D. Imipramine

Answer: (B)

Benzodiazepines provide rapid relief of anxiety by enhancing GABA, the brain’s main calming neurotransmitter. For phobias, a fast-acting medication that reduces intense fear can make exposure-based therapies more tolerable, and alprazolam (Xanax) is a classic example of this class. It acts quickly and has an intermediate duration, making it well-suited for acute phobic anxiety and situational spikes.

Sertraline is an SSRI, which helps anxiety but requires several weeks to take effect and is not a benzodiazepine. Buspirone is an anxiolytic with a slower onset and does not have the same rapid, sedating effect as a benzodiazepine. Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant, not a benzodiazepine, and is used less commonly for phobias today.