Find patient medical information for Alprazolam (Xanax) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription tablet for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Learn about side effects, dosage, uses, and more. Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Includes side effects, interactions and safety information. Alprazolam was developed by Jackson Hester Jr. at the Upjohn Company [20] and patented in 1971 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1981. [14][21] Alprazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance and is a common drug of abuse. [3][22] It is available as a generic medication. [8] Learn about Xanax (alprazolam) dosages, tapering instructions, and FDA boxed warnings regarding addiction and opioid interactions. Xanax is a short-acting benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is a federal controlled substance (C-IV). Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which are medicines that slow down the nervous system. Xanax (Alprazolam) may treat, side effects, dosage, drug interactions, warnings, patient labeling, reviews, and related medications including drug comparison and health resources. Take XANAX exactly as prescribed by your doctor to avoid serious side effects that may occur like addiction, coma, or death. Beware of counterfeit or fake XANAX, which is illegal and can be harmful and difficult to identify. What is Xanax and how does it work? Learn about its uses for anxiety and panic attacks, how fast it works, dosage guidelines, side effects, and alternatives.