Alprazolam refers to a benzodiazepine sedative that causes dose-related depression of the central nervous system. It is useful in treating anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and muscle spasms.
The brand name is Xanax, and a generic version is available. Alprazolam is a tranquilizer that belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Alprazolam to treat anxiety, panic disorder, and anxiety associated with depression. Occasionally alprazolam is used to treat alcohol withdrawal, but it is not FDA-approved for this use, and is not normally the first drug tried in treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms.