Alprazolam
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication primarily prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders. It works by enhancing the effects of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter in the brain, producing sedative and anxiolytic effects.
Alprazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders by enhancing GABA activity in the brain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05BA12
- Generic
- Alprazolam
- Class
- benzodiazepine
- Brands
- Xanax
- Availability
- controlled
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 12
- Onset (min)
- 15
- Duration (h)
- 6
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- dependence, respiratory-depression
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 0.25mg to 0.5mg three times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.125mg to 0.25mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.25mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and assessment of neonatal withdrawal
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near delivery due to risk of neonatal sedation and withdrawal
monitor newborn for respiratory depression, sedation, and withdrawal symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid during breastfeeding
do not breastfeed during alprazolam therapy due to infant exposure
monitor infant for excessive sedation, poor feeding, and developmental changes
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 plusreduce initial dose by 50%
start with lowest effective dose, use with extreme caution due to increased sensitivity
monitor for excessive sedation, dizziness, falls, and cognitive impairment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended for pediatric patients
not approved for use in patients under 18 years of age
not applicable - avoid use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno major dose adjustment needed but use with caution
use with caution, monitor for excessive sedation
monitor renal function and sedation levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose by 50%
use with caution due to metabolism in liver, reduce initial dose
monitor liver function and sedation levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
concurrent alcohol useabsolutely contraindicated
do not use alprazolam with alcohol under any circumstances
not applicable - avoid concomitant use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Year Alprazolam was first approved for medical use in the United States
Drug class
Alprazolam belongs to the benzodiazepine class of central nervous system depressants
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications for Alprazolam
Controlled substance schedule
Federal controlled substance classification in the United States
Treats generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, and short-term anxiety relief. May occasionally be used for insomnia associated with anxiety.
Binds to benzodiazepine sites on GABA-A receptors, increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening when GABA binds. This enhances inhibitory signaling, reducing neuronal excitability and producing calming effects.
Schedule IV controlled substance with risk of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use. May cause drowsiness, cognitive impairment, and respiratory depression—particularly risky combined with alcohol, opioids, or other CNS depressants. Short half-life (~11-12 hours) may lead to rebound anxiety between doses. Not recommended for long-term use; discontinuation requires gradual tapering under medical supervision.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy