Alprazolam is a prescription medicine that's used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder. It's in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines and works by lessening abnormal excitement in the brain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved alprazolam in 1981. It's sold under the brand name Xanax.
Xanax can be considered the most potent benzodiazepine to treat anxiety. Alprazolam is one of the strongest short-acting benzodiazepines and is often prescribed by doctors because its half-life is shorter than 26 hours.
The only branded lorazepam available in the U.S. is Ativan. Xanax is a brand (trade) name for alprazolam. Although both drugs belong to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, so have a similar mechanism of action, there are structural differences between them that affect their activity in the body.
Alprazolam – indications for use
The approved indications for alprazolam, as listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, are: anxiety – short-term symptomatic treatment of anxiety, including treatment of anxious patients with some symptoms of depression.
The generic name for Xanax is alprazolam.
For this reason, Xanax is often taken to treat sudden onset symptoms or short-term anxiety. Other commonly prescribed drugs of this class include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and midazolam (Versed).
Commonly prescribed Alprazolam alternative antidepressant medications used to help with anxiety include Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), or Lexapro (escitalopram).
The Therapeutic Goods Administration rescheduled alprazolam from being prescription-only under schedule four to a schedule eight controlled drug. Medicines on schedule eight have an additional layer of monitoring and control to support quality prescribing and reduce drug dependence and diversion.
From 1 February 2014 alprazolam will become a Schedule 8 (S8) medicine in all Australian States and Territories. This step has been taken due to the growing level of misuse of alprazolam and concerns for the safety and wellbeing of those who take it.
SSRI's are anti-depressants and are currently the most popular anti-depression / anti-anxiety drugs as they have fewer side effects than MAOI's. SSRI's include drugs such as Prozac, Luvox and Aropax. SSRI's must be taken on a daily basis for at least a few weeks before they are effective.
Avoid operating machinery, driving, or performing tasks that require mental alertness while taking Xanax. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. The lowest effective dose of Xanax should be used for the shortest time possible.
For example, if you have general anxiety, a long-lasting benzo, like diazepam or clonazepam, might be the best first choice.
The strongest and most common dosage of a Xanax bar is 2 mg.
Effects of Valium last approximately 4 hours, although may persist for longer in some people. One study suggested diazepam may be more effective than alprazolam at controlling anxiety particularly if the person was also depressed; however, the overall difference was not significant.
Drugs with a shorter half-life are linked with higher potential for addiction and dependence because the effects wear off faster. That is one reason why doctors are typically hesitant to prescribe Xanax for long periods of time.
Why is this medication prescribed? Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Alprazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Direct Rx is recalling several lots of alprazolam due to cross-contamination concerns, according to the April 12, 2023, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Enforcement Report.
Under the Prescribing Standards, Psychiatrists or Addiction Specialists may apply for a Category 4A prescribing approval from the Chief Health Officer for treatment of Panic Disorder or short-term symptomatic treatment of anxiety with Alprazolam.
Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour.
The most prominent of anti-anxiety drugs for the purpose of immediate relief are those known as benzodiazepines; among them are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).
SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR. Pros: They are effective for a lot of people and they have a solid safety profile.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen and helps the body manage stress and anxiety. In fact, it has been shown to reduce anxiety and insomnia in rats by 69%. Similarly, magnesium, a natural Xanax alternative, helps calm the mind and improve mood. It is naturally found in nuts, avocados, and whole grains.