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'''Alprazolam''', probably better known by its trade name '''Xanax''', is a short-acting drug. The drug is used to treat people with [[anxiety]] disorders and [[panic attack]]s. Alprazolam is the most commonly misused [[benzodiazepine]] (the drug's class) in the [[United States]]; but the majority of prescribed users do not develop a substance-use disorder. Alprazolam is a prescription drug in the United States.

'''Alprazolam''', probably better known by its trade name '''Xanax''', is a short-acting drug. Xanax and other [[Benzodiazepine|benzodiazepines]] first entered the market in 1960. Although it may have other illegal or nonclinical uses, Xanax is legally prescribed to treat [[Anxiety disorder|anxiety disorders]], [[panic disorder]], and anxiety caused by depression. It works by decreasing abnormally high levels of excitement in the brain, which helps you feel more relaxed and increases feelings of calmness.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Xanax Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD|url=https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9824/xanax-oral/details|access-date=2021-07-09|website=www.webmd.com|language=en}}</ref>

 

Xanax (and all benzodiazepines) stimulate neurons in the brain that release or have receptors for the neurotransmitter [[GABA|gamma-aminobutyric acid]] (GABA). GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and neurons for GABA are prevalent throughout the [[cerebral cortex]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=How Xanax Works|url=https://oxfordtreatment.com/prescription-drug-abuse/xanax/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-09|website=Oxford Treatment Center}}</ref>

 

An inhibitory neurotransmitter reduces the firing of other types of neurotransmitters in the brain when it’s released. Thus, Xanax acts as a [[central nervous system]] depressant by way of its agonistic effect on GABA neurons in the brain.

 

 

 

Overdose may occur from Xanax alone, but the risk of overdose is higher when combined with other substances, such as opioids and alcohol, as this can increase the chance of respiratory depression.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Xanax|url=https://lagunatreatment.com/alcohol-abuse/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-09|website=}}</ref> This is a significant concern for many people, as benzodiazepines and [[Opioid|opioids]] are commonly prescribed together.<ref>{{Cite web|title=What Are Opioids?|url=https://greenhousetreatment.com/opiate/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-09|website=Greenhouse Treatment Center}}</ref> [[Respiratory depression]] causes slow and ineffective breathing, potentially causing a person to die in their sleep.

 

 

* a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

* a seizure;

* jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

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