Alprazolam or , available as the trade name
Xanax among others, is a short-acting
anxiolytic of the
benzodiazepine class. It is commonly used for the treatment of
panic disorder, and
anxiety disorders, such as
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or
social anxiety disorder (SAD). It was the 12th most prescribed medicine in 2010. Alprazolam, like other benzodiazepines, binds to specific sites on the
GABAA receptor. It possesses
anxiolytic,
sedative,
hypnotic,
skeletal muscle relaxant,
anticonvulsant, and
amnestic properties. Alprazolam is available for
oral administration in
compressed tablet (CT) and
extended-release capsule (XR) formulations.