Xanax
® (
alprazolam) is a medication commonly used for reducing
anxiety and treating
panic disorder. It comes in tablet form and is available in four different strengths. Oral Xanax tablets are typically taken two or three times a day.
The medicine is a type of benzodiazepine that works by enhancing the effects of a certain naturally calming chemical in the brain. It can help reduce anxiety, cause sleepiness, relax muscles, stop
seizures, and impair short-term memory.
You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking Xanax if you have
depression, a history of drug or alcohol abuse,
glaucoma, or lung problems. It is also important to tell your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs.
(Click Xanax to read the full eMedTV article on this topic. This resource includes more information about the effects of this medicine, side effects that may occur with treatment, and more.)
