Which medication is often prescribed as a first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?

Sertraline is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) due to its effectiveness and safety profile. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which increases serotonin levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter known to play a key role in mood regulation and anxiety reduction. SSRIs like sertraline have been extensively studied and have shown favorable outcomes for managing anxiety disorders, making them a standard recommendation in clinical guidelines.

In the context of pharmacologic management of GAD, sertraline is well-tolerated and offers a beneficial side effect profile compared to other classes of medications, such as benzodiazepines. Additionally, it can help to alleviate both the psychological and somatic symptoms of anxiety, making it a comprehensive option for patients.

While the other medications listed can be useful in certain contexts—venlafaxine is also effective but is generally reserved for cases where SSRIs are not suitable, quetiapine is more often used as an atypical antipsychotic rather than a first-line anxiolytic, and buspirone is sometimes used as an alternative but is not typically considered first-line due to its slower onset of action—sertraline's established status as a first