Xanax® (
alprazolam) is a popular benzodiazepine medication that is available by prescription. Many people may wonder, "What does it treat?"
Xanax is licensed to treat
anxiety. It is primarily used for treating
generalized anxiety disorder but can also be used short-term to treat
anxiety symptoms due to other causes, such as stressful events. Xanax is also useful for treating anxiety associated with
depression (as anxiety and depression often come hand in hand).
The medication is also approved for the treatment of
panic disorder. It can be used to treat people with or without
agoraphobia, the fear of being in a situation where you may experience a
panic attack and where escape from the situation might be difficult or embarrassing (a problem that often accompanies panic disorder).
On occasion, healthcare providers may also recommend Xanax for treating something other than anxiety and panic disorder. "
Off-label" Xanax uses can include the treatment of the following conditions:
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
(Click Xanax Uses for more information on what the drug is used to treat, to find out how Xanax works for these conditions, and to learn about the use of this medication in children.)
