Which of the following classes of compounds has a sedative effect and as such is used to treat anxiety?

• A. Amphetamines
• B. Opiates
• C. Cannabinoids
• D. Benzodiazepines

Answer: (D)

Benzodiazepines produce a calming, sedative effect by enhancing GABA signaling in the brain. They bind to the GABA-A receptor and act as positive allosteric modulators, increasing the frequency at which the chloride channel opens in response to GABA. This boosts inhibitory neurotransmission, dampening neural activity that drives anxiety. Clinically, this combination of sedation plus anxiolysis makes them a common short-term treatment for anxiety disorders. The other options don’t provide this primary sedative/anxiolytic effect: stimulants like amphetamines raise alertness and can worsen anxiety; opiates are analgesics with sedation but aren’t used to treat anxiety; cannabinoids have variable effects and aren’t standard anxiolytics.