Alprazolam (Xanax) is an anxiety medication that works by affecting chemicals in the brain that play key roles in anxiety and fear response. It belongs to the group of benzodiazepines (benzos), which also includes diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Alprazolam acts on certain chemicals in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors by blocking them from responding when you feel anxious or scared. |