What Exactly is Xanax?

          I find the topic of xanax interesting because most people don’t know exactly what xanax is, so I want to explain to people what exactly is xanax. I feel like xanax gets studied a lot less than other drugs for whatever reason which is why I want to tell you a little bit about it. 

          So Xanax or Alprazolam(1) is a highly addictive drug(1) and is very hard to stop taking once you’ve started. Xanax is in the medical class of benzodiazepines and is one of the most popular benzodiazepines(3). It increases the effects of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid which calms you down and gives you a relaxing feeling.(2)

          Xanax is actually a prescription drug and is one of the top 50 most prescribed drugs in the US(4). It’s mainly used to treat major anxiety disorders(3), sleep problems(4), or even alcoholism(4) and usually only prescribed for a few weeks because of how addictive it is(3). 

          Xanax has many side effects, which I’m not going to get into but I will say it is a terrible idea to take it without a prescription(3) and if you are using it as prescribed it’s best to read a guide before hand so you know exactly what it does to you.(1) Xanax has many different dosages that you can get depending on how long you’re going to be using it.(5)

1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9824/xanax-oral/details#:~:text=Alprazolam%20is%20used%20to%20treat,in%20the%20body%20(GABA)
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326528#:~:text=Xanax%20works%20by%20increasing%20the,treat%20anxiety%20and%20panic%20disorders. 
3. https://www.banyantreatmentcenter.com/2020/07/20/hidden-dangers-of-taking-xanax-philadelphia/ 
4. https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/xanax-addiction/why-xanax-is-dangerous/ 
5. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aqh&AN=7210641&site=ehost-live