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Alprazolam, also known by its brand name Xanax, is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This results in a calming effect on the central nervous system, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and panic.

Alprazolam was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981 and has since become one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. It is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the immediate-release being the most commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders.

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