What class of medication is commonly used to reduce anxiety in preoperative patients?

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to reduce anxiety in preoperative patients because they are effective anxiolytics that act on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. These medications enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), leading to reduced feelings of anxiety and promoting relaxation. In the context of surgical procedures, managing anxiety is crucial, as it can impact a patient’s overall experience and postoperative recovery.

The other classes of medications listed serve different primary purposes: opioids are primarily analgesics used for pain management, antidepressants are typically used to manage mood disorders rather than acute anxiety, and beta-blockers can help with physical symptoms of anxiety like tachycardia but are not primarily used for anxiety management. Therefore, benzodiazepines are the most suitable choice for addressing preoperative anxiety effectively.