Xanax is a brand name for the drug alprazolam, which belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It is primarily prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety associated with depression. Xanax works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to produce a calming effect and reduce feelings of anxiety or panic.
