Alprazolam (Xanax)

What the word means

Alprazolam is the drug. Xanax is the brand name, and it’s the name almost everyone actually uses. It’s a benzodiazepine, which means it works by strengthening the brain’s main calming signal.

What sets it apart from others in its class is speed. It takes effect quickly and it doesn’t last very long, which is why it’s the benzodiazepine most associated with panic. It’s also why it’s the one most associated with tolerance and physical dependence, because a drug that works fast and wears off fast is a drug the body notices coming and going. It’s a controlled substance, and it isn’t meant to be taken every day indefinitely.

Where to read the full guide

Shrinktionary defines the word. It doesn’t tell you how to take a medication, what dose is right, or what to expect week by week. That’s a different job, and there’s a site in the network that does it properly.

Read the full alprazolam guide at PsychiatryRx, which covers what it treats, how it works, side effects, and how to come off it safely.

Related terms you’ll see next

• Benzodiazepine
• Anxiolytic
• Physical dependence
• Panic attack

When to seek professional care

Never stop a benzodiazepine abruptly on your own, because withdrawal from this class can cause seizures and can be life-threatening. Don’t combine it with alcohol or opioids. If you’re taking more than prescribed, or running out early, tell a clinician plainly rather than hiding it. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help right away by calling 911, or call or text 988 in the US to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Alprazolam (Xanax):</strong> Alprazolam is a fast-acting benzodiazepine, sold as Xanax, used for anxiety and panic. It works within minutes, which is both why people rely on it and why it's meant for short-term use.</p>
  <p>&mdash; <a href="https://shrinktionary.com/terms/alprazolam/">Shrinktionary</a>, a plain-English mental health dictionary, medically reviewed by a board certified psychiatrist.</p>
</blockquote>