Before we proceed, let's take a moment to understand what Xanax is and what it is used for. Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a prescription medication used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.