What is the most frequently prescribed benzodiazepine for anxiety?

Alprazolam is often considered the most frequently prescribed benzodiazepine specifically for the treatment of anxiety, particularly for disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. This drug has a relatively rapid onset of action, which makes it effective for acute anxiety episodes, and it has established a strong profile in the management of anxiety symptoms.

While lorazepam is certainly prescribed for anxiety, especially in hospital settings or for short-term management of severe anxiety, alprazolam is more widely utilized in outpatient settings due to its efficacy and the way it fits into the treatment protocols for chronic anxiety conditions. The popularity of alprazolam has contributed to its prominence in prescriptions for anxiety.

Diazepam and chlordiazepoxide, while historically significant as anxiolytics, are less frequently prescribed now compared to alprazolam for ongoing anxiety management in modern clinical practice. This reflects changes in prescribing trends and the development of newer agents that are considered first-line treatments for anxiety disorders.