What medication is considered a longer-acting benzodiazepine useful for acute anxiety attacks?

The correct choice for a longer-acting benzodiazepine that is useful for acute anxiety attacks is lorazepam. While other options like alprazolam and diazepam are commonly used for anxiety, lorazepam is particularly favored for its effectiveness in treating acute episodes of anxiety.

Lorazepam has a longer half-life compared to alprazolam, which means it stays in the system longer and provides a more prolonged anxiolytic effect. This characteristic makes lorazepam suitable for managing anxiety conditions where sustained relief is desired. Additionally, while midazolam is a fast-acting benzodiazepine, it is primarily used in procedural sedation and not for the treatment of anxiety, as its effects do not last long enough for ongoing management of anxiety symptoms.

Understanding the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic uses of these medications is crucial in clinical practice, especially when selecting appropriate treatments for patients experiencing acute anxiety.