Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Includes side effects, interactions and safety information. Xanax (or alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine medication used for the short-term treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. Xanax is not a long-term treatment option, but it can temporarily ease anxiety while waiting for safer, longer-term treatments to work. 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. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms: Find patient medical information for Alprazolam (Xanax) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings How Xanax affects your body can vary by your age, mental state when you take the drug, dosage, and other factors. It may have a sedative effect that can make you feel calmer. XANAX is approved to treat anxiety disorders, provide short-term anxiety relief, and treat panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. Take XANAX exactly as prescribed by your doctor to avoid serious side effects that may occur like addiction, coma, or death. Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription oral tablet used in adults to treat panic disorder with or without agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder that requires immediate treatment. Alprazolam, sold under the brand name Xanax among others, is a fast-acting, potent tranquilizer of moderate duration within the triazolobenzodiazepine group of chemicals called benzodiazepines. [15] Xanax (alprazolam) will cause sedation, drowsiness and somnolence as a side effect but is not typically prescribed to help with insomnia (trouble sleeping) on a regular basis. Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription tablet for generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Learn about side effects, dosage, uses, and more.