What is "alprazolam"

n. Category:en:DrugsAn antianxiety drug ''8-chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine''

n. an antianxiety agent (trade name Xanax) of the benzodiazepine class [syn: Xanax]

Alprazolam, available under the trade name Xanax (and sometimes known as xans or zans for short) is a short-acting anxiolytic of the benzodiazepine class. It is commonly used for the treatment of panic disorder, and anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD). It was the 12th most prescribed medicine in the USA in 2010. Alprazolam, like other benzodiazepines, binds to specific sites on the GABA receptor. It possesses anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, skeletal muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, and amnestic properties. Alprazolam is available for oral administration in compressed tablet (CT) and extended-release capsule (XR) formulations.

Peak benefits achieved for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) may take up to a week. Tolerance to the anxiolytic/antipanic effects is controversial with some authoritative sources reporting the development of tolerance, and others reporting no development of tolerance; tolerance will, however, develop to the sedative- hypnotic effects within a couple of days. Withdrawal symptoms or rebound symptoms may occur after ceasing treatment abruptly following a few weeks or longer of steady dosing, and may necessitate a gradual dose reduction.

Alprazolam was first released by Upjohn (now a part of Pfizer) in 1981. The first approved use was panic disorder and within two years of its original marketing Xanax became a blockbuster drug in the US. Presently, alprazolam is the most prescribed and the most misused benzodiazepine in the US. The potential for misuse among those taking it for medical reasons is controversial with some expert reviews stating that the risk is low and similar to that of other benzodiazepine drugs and others stating that there is a substantial risk of misuse and dependence in both patients and non-medical users of alprazolam and that the pharmacological properties of alprazolam, high affinity binding, high potency, having a short elimination half-life as well as a rapid onset of action may increase the misuse potential of alprazolam. Compared to the large number of prescriptions, relatively few individuals increase their dose on their own initiative or engage in drug-seeking behavior. Alprazolam is classified as a schedule IV controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).