Which drug is a benzodiazepine that treats seizures and is used before surgery to relieve anxiety?

Which drug is a benzodiazepine that treats seizures and is used before surgery to relieve anxiety?

• A. Lorazepam
• B. Fentanyl
• C. Morphine
• D. Haloperidol

Answer: (A)

Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of GABA in the brain, increasing neuronal inhibition. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine with strong anticonvulsant properties, so it helps treat seizures. It also has potent anxiolytic effects, which is why it’s commonly used before surgery to relieve anxiety and provide a calmer, amnesic state. Taken together, this dual action—controlling seizures and reducing preoperative anxiety—makes it the best choice for this scenario. The other drugs aren’t benzodiazepines and don’t pair these roles: fentanyl and morphine are opioids for pain, and haloperidol is an antipsychotic, not used for seizure control or preoperative anxiolysis.

Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of GABA in the brain, increasing neuronal inhibition. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine with strong anticonvulsant properties, so it helps treat seizures. It also has potent anxiolytic effects, which is why it’s commonly used before surgery to relieve anxiety and provide a calmer, amnesic state. Taken together, this dual action—controlling seizures and reducing preoperative anxiety—makes it the best choice for this scenario. The other drugs aren’t benzodiazepines and don’t pair these roles: fentanyl and morphine are opioids for pain, and haloperidol is an antipsychotic, not used for seizure control or preoperative anxiolysis.