Xanax (pronounced ZAN-axe) is the common brand name for Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders. Xanax (usually taken in oral tablet form) has a calming effect, with potential side effects of drowsiness, clumsiness, fatigue, and headache. Xanax can also have more severe side effects, such as blurred vision, slurred speech, and changes in normal behavior. Xanax is habituating, and users develop a tolerance. Physical and psychological dependence after several months of Xanax treatment is common. As a result, long-term Xanax treatment cannot be abruptly terminated, but must instead be slowly reduced in dosage over a course of weeks (as is the case with many drugs operating on neurotransmitters). Abrupt cessation may cause rebound anxiety, insomnia, and seizures, among other symptoms.
