# A young man of 24 years is suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder; which drug may be preferred for his problem? a. Zolpidem b. Buspirone c. Midazolam d. Triazolam e. Phenobarbital The correct answer is B. Buspirone. Buspirone is the first azapirone, a new class of antianxiety drugs, distinctly different from Benzodiazepines. Buspirone: • Does not produce significant sedation or cognitive/functional impairment. • Does not interact with BZD receptor or modify GABAergic transmission. • Does not produce tolerance or physical dependence. • Does not suppress BZD or barbiturate withdrawal syndrome. • Has no muscle relaxant or anticonvulsant activity. Buspirone relieves mild-to-moderate generalized anxiety, but is ineffective in severe cases, in those showing panic reaction and in OCD. Though most patients on buspirone remain alert, those operating machinery/motor vehicles should be cautioned. Dose: 5–15 mg OD–TDS: