see http://en.wikipedia.......
Other commonly prescribed benzodiazpenes include Valium and Klonopin. Both are arguably less addictive and have better reputations - due to the fact that they have longer half lives.
PS - Asking your therapist for Xanax will make you look like a drug seeker. Just ask him about whether or not benzodiazpenes will could be a good option for you.
Alprazolam is the generic of the brand name Xanax. It is a benzodiazepine, commonly used for it's sedative and calming properties. In other words, it can induce calmness in cases of anxiety and panic attacks, and in larger doses, induces sleep.
It works by slowing down certain brain functions through indirect stimulation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. GABA slows down processes in the brain, so by causing the release of more GABA, brain activity is reduced.
Alprazolam can be addictive. If use it stopped suddenly stopped after being taken extensively for a significant amount of time, it can cause uncomfortable or even painful and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Xanax. Used to treat panic attacks.
see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alprazolam
