Which of the following medications is considered an anxiolytic?

Diazepam is recognized as an anxiolytic because it belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines, which are specifically designed to reduce anxiety. Anxiolytics work by enhancing the effect of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, leading to a calming effect on the nervous system. This makes diazepam effective for treating anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and sometimes for short-term management of symptoms associated with anxiety.

In contrast, fluoxetine and sertraline are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are primarily used as antidepressants but also have anxiolytic effects over time. However, they are not classified as anxiolytics in the same direct manner that benzodiazepines are. Risperidone, on the other hand, is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Although it may have some effect on anxiety, it is not classified as an anxiolytic either. Therefore, the categorization of diazepam as an anxiolytic is aligned with its mechanism of action and indications for use.