Alprazolam is a short-acting drug in the benzodiazepine class used to treat anxiety disorders and as an adjunctive treatment for depression. It is also used as a medication to aid the beginning of treatment with SSRI type drugs, since these can cause anxiety in the initial stages of use.
Alprazolam is a triazolobenzodiazepine, that is, a benzodiazepine with a triazolo-ring attached to its structure. Benzodiazepines produce a variety of effects by modulating the GABAA subtype of the GABA receptor, the most prolific inhibitory receptor within the brain.
Alprazolam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Alprazolam should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.