Which medication is not typically considered a first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder?

Buspirone is not typically considered a first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which is why it is the correct choice. While it is an effective medication for treating anxiety, it is generally classified as a second-line option. The first-line pharmacological treatments for GAD usually include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline.

SSRIs are favored for their efficacy in reducing anxiety symptoms, their safety profile, and their ability to address co-existing depression, which is common in individuals with GAD. In contrast, buspirone has a slower onset of action and is often used as an adjunctive treatment when first-line medications do not provide sufficient relief or when patients cannot tolerate them. Its mechanism of action is distinct from that of SSRIs, affecting different neurotransmitter systems, which contributes to its standing as a secondary option for anxiety disorders.