Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain?

Gabapentin is commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain because it is an anticonvulsant medication that works by inhibiting certain types of calcium channels, which helps to decrease the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. This action helps to reduce the pain signals that are improperly transmitted in conditions like diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, making it effective for managing neuropathic pain.

Other medications listed, such as citalopram and sertraline, are primarily selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, and while they may have some pain-relieving properties, they are not the first-line treatments for neuropathic pain. Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders and is not indicated for neuropathic pain treatment. Gabapentin's specific mechanism of action on sodium channels and neurotransmitters makes it a cornerstone in the management of neuropathic pain.