Xanax is a brand name for the medication alprazolam, which belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders. Xanax works by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation.
There are many different medications that can be used to treat anxiety. The most commonly used medications for anxiety are:
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine, which work by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.
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Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, lorazepam, and clonazepam, which work by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
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Beta blockers such as propranolol, which work by blocking the effects of the stress hormone adrenaline on the body.
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Buspirone, a medication that is specifically designed to treat anxiety.