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Oral alprazolam
Alprazolam enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA at the GABA-A receptor, reducing neuronal excitability and producing anxiolytic and sedative effects.
Alprazolam enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA at the GABA-A receptor, reducing neuronal excitability and producing anxiolytic and sedative effects. Used for Generalized anxiety disorder, Panic disorder, Anxiety associated with depression.
At a glance
| Generic name | Oral alprazolam |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Xanax, Xanax XR, Tafil AP, Xanax XR |
| Sponsor | Isfahan University of Medical Sciences |
| 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 in the central nervous system, potentiating the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. 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
- Anxiety associated with depression
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Cognitive impairment
- Dependence/withdrawal risk
- Ataxia
- Headache
Key clinical trials
- Opioid/Benzodiazepine Polydrug Abuse: Aim 3 (PHASE2)
- 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)
- Opioid Drug Interaction Study (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Study of Soticlestat in Healthy Adult Nondependent Recreational Drug Users With Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressant Experience (PHASE1)
- A Study of the Abuse Liability Potential of Cenobamate in Recreational Drug Users (PHASE1)
- An Abuse Potential Study of Orally Administered HORIZANT in Healthy, Non-dependent, Recreational Drug Users (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:
- Oral alprazolam CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Oral alprazolam updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Isfahan University of Medical Sciences portfolio CI