Although many people have heard of the prescription drug Xanax
® (
alprazolam), they may not know what it is used for.
The medication is approved to treat
anxiety and
panic disorder in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which have been shown to help relax muscles, cause sleepiness, reduce anxiety, stop
seizures, and impair short-term memory. Xanax works by enhancing the effects of
gamma-aminobutyric acid (
GABA), a chemical that is naturally calming.
Xanax comes in tablet form and is available in four different strengths. It is taken by mouth, typically two or three times a day. For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Xanax is a controlled substance that may cause serious problems if you take it at higher dosages or for a longer time than your healthcare provider recommends.
(Click Xanax for a complete overview of this drug, including information about potential side effects and things you should discuss with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.)
