Name two SSRIs commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders.

• A. Paroxetine and fluvoxamine
• B. Citalopram and fluoxetine
• C. Sertraline and escitalopram
• D. Venlafaxine and duloxetine

Answer: (C)

SSRIs are a first-line option for anxiety disorders because they increase serotonin signaling, helping reduce excessive worry and physical symptoms over a few weeks. Among these medications, sertraline and escitalopram are particularly commonly prescribed for anxiety due to a broad and strong evidence base across multiple anxiety disorders and generally favorable tolerability. This makes them go-to choices in many clinical guidelines. While other SSRIs like paroxetine and fluvoxamine can be used for anxiety, they often carry more limiting side-effect or withdrawal considerations. Citalopram and fluoxetine are also SSRIs, but sertraline and escitalopram have the most consistent, wide-ranging support for treating anxiety. Venlafaxine and duloxetine are SNRIs, not SSRIs, which is why they aren’t the correct class here.