Alprazolam, known most commonly by the brand name Xanax, is a potent, short-acting prescription drug primairly used to treat modern to severe anxiety disorders, panic attacks and stress disorders.

It has a high potential for recreational use and is one of the most commonly misused benzodiapines in the U.S. When used properly, a patient will take Xanax in either pill or liquid form, up to the three to four times a day. An addict will ingest upwards of 30 pills in a day as tolerance to the effects of the drug are built. As with all Benzodiazepine class drugs, the effects of Xanax can be even more extreme and dangerous when combined with alcohol use. Patients with a high risk of misuse and addiction are those with a history of alcoholism, drug abuse, and patients with borderline personality disorder.

Common Names:

• Xanax

Street Names:

• Z-bars
• Yellow-boys
• Footballs
• Bars

Effects:

Xanax has a calming effect upon the individual. This calming effect can lead some to become highly drug dependent and to increase their use their tolerance of the drug forms.

Withdrawal Symptoms:

Withdrawal symptoms can begin quickly. Most people begin to feel symptoms within 12 hours and will peak within 3 to 4 days. Residual and lingering symptoms of withdrawal can last for months and can include: anxiety, panic, hallucination, insomnia, moodiness, tremors, convulsions, nightmares, nausea, and vomiting. Most common side effects are psychological in nature and very unpleasant.

Substance Classification:

Benzodiazepine