xanax 2mg

Alprazolam, also sold under the brand name Xanax, is a potent short-acting and medium-duration tranquilizer belonging to the class of triazolobenzodiazepines (TBZD). It is primarily used for the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders, especially panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It may also be used to treat nausea caused by chemotherapy.

Alprazolam is typically taken orally. Common side effects include drowsiness, depression, headache, fatigue, dry mouth, and memory problems. Sedation and fatigue may partially improve within a few days. Due to concerns about abuse, some do not recommend alprazolam as a first-line treatment for panic disorder.

Abruptly stopping alprazolam can lead to withdrawal symptoms or rebound effects, so the dose may need to be tapered gradually over weeks or months. Other rare risks include suicide and a two-fold higher risk of all-cause mortality. Like other benzodiazepines, alprazolam works through the GABA-A receptor.

Alprazolam was invented by Dr. Jackson Hester of the Upjohn Company, patented in 1971, and approved for medical use in the United States in 1981. It is a controlled substance that is commonly abused. A generic version is available. In 2020, it was the 37th most prescribed drug in the United States, with over 16 million prescriptions.