Final answer:
The most common drug used to treat anxiety is a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Other medications that may be used include antidepressants and anxiolytics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common drug used to treat anxiety is a class of medications called benzodiazepines. These include Alprazolam (Xanax), Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), Diazepam (Valium), and Lorazepam (Ativan). These drugs work by affecting the central nervous system and can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks and excessive worry. Benzodiazepines are often used for short-term treatment of anxiety because they can be highly addictive and may cause drowsiness. They should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and taken as prescribed. Other medications that may be used to treat anxiety include antidepressants (such as sertraline) and anxiolytics (such as buspirone). These medications work differently than benzodiazepines and may be used for long-term treatment of anxiety disorders.