Alprazolam, commonly known by its brand name Xanax, is a prescription medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder, and it is also prescribed for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety. Alprazolam works by enhancing the effects of a natural chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has calming effects on the nervous system.
