Buspirone is preferred over benzodiazepines for generalized anxiety disorder because it lacks sedation, respiratory depression, and dependence. Its anxiolytic effect is mediated primarily through which receptor?

• A GABA-A receptor modulation
• B 5-HT1A partial agonism ✓
• C 5-HT2A receptor antagonism
• D D2 receptor partial agonism

Explanation

Buspirone exerts its anxiolytic effect primarily as a partial agonist at the 5-HT1A receptor. It does not modulate GABA-A receptors, which is why it lacks the sedative, muscle relaxant, and dependence properties of benzodiazepines. Aripiprazole is a D2 partial agonist used in schizophrenia. 5-HT2A antagonism is a property of atypical antipsychotics like clozapine.

Reference: Katzung and Trevor's Pharmacology, 12th ed.

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