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Alprazolam
Drug ClassBenzodiazepine
Year Approved1981
Conditions TreatedPanic disorder, anxiety
AvailabilityPrescription
About Alprazolam
A short acting benzodiazepine marketed as Xanax. Alprazolam treats panic disorder and generalized anxiety. It works quickly, providing rapid relief from panic attacks. The short half life means it wears off quickly, which can contribute to rebound anxiety. Alprazolam is the most prescribed benzodiazepine and is also the most abused. Dependence develops rapidly, and withdrawal can be severe including seizures. Despite risks, alprazolam remains widely used for panic disorder when SSRIs are insufficient.