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Alprazolam (Xanax)
Alprazolam enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA at GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system, reducing neuronal excitability and producing anxiolytic and sedative effects.
Alprazolam enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA at GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system, reducing neuronal excitability and producing anxiolytic and sedative effects. Used for Generalized anxiety disorder, Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, Anxiety associated with depression.
At a glance
| Generic name | Alprazolam (Xanax) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Xanax |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Diego |
| Drug class | Benzodiazepine |
| Target | GABA-A receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry/Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that binds to GABA-A receptors and potentiates the action of GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. This increases chloride ion influx into neurons, hyperpolarizing the cell membrane and reducing the likelihood of neuronal firing. The result is decreased anxiety, muscle relaxation, and sedation.
Approved indications
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
- Anxiety associated with depression
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Dependence/withdrawal risk
- Cognitive impairment
- Ataxia
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Test the Efficacy and Safety of Staccato Alprazolam in Study Participants 12 Years of Age and Older With Stereotypical Prolonged Seizures (PHASE3)
- A Study to Test the Safety and Tolerability of Staccato Alprazolam in Study Participants 12 Years of Age and Older With Stereotypical Prolonged Seizures (PHASE3)
- A Study to Assess the Time to Onset of Action of Staccato Alprazolam Versus Midazolam and Diazepam in Healthy Participants (PHASE1)
- Opioid/Benzodiazepine Polydrug Abuse: Aim 3 (PHASE2)
- Role of Alprazolam in Management of Post Endodontic Pain After Single Visit Root Canal Treatment. To Compare Mean Pain Score Between Two Group of Participants Undergoing Post Operative Pain Management After Single Visit Root Canal Treatment: NSAIDs Alone and a Combination of NSAIDs and Alprazolam. (NA)
- An Extension Test of Whether to Use Oral Anti-anxiety Drugs (XANAX) When Patients Choose Second Eye Cataract Surgery After Unblinding, and Analyze Their Anxiety, Satisfaction and Pain Satisfaction (PHASE4)
- Anxiety and Surgery Satisfaction for Cataract Patient With Different State Anxiety (NA)
- Oral vs IV Sedation for Cataract Surgery in Older Adults (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Alprazolam (Xanax) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Alprazolam (Xanax) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of California, San Diego portfolio CI