an antianxiety agent (trade name Xanax) of the benzodiazepine class
"The doctor prescribed alprazolam to help manage her severe anxiety, noting that it is a potent benzodiazepine often known by the trade name Xanax."
A drug (trademark Xanax) of the benzodiazepine group (8-chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,4]benzodiazepine), used in the treatment of anxiety.
"The physician prescribed alprazolam to help manage her severe panic disorder and chronic anxiety."
In plain English: Alprazolam is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic attacks by calming your nervous system.
"The doctor prescribed alprazolam to help manage her severe anxiety attacks during the day."
Usage: This term refers strictly to a prescription medication and should not be confused with over-the-counter sleep aids or herbal remedies. It is often misspelled as "alprazolam" when referring to the generic drug versus the brand name Xanax, though both denote the same substance.
The name alprazolam is a chemical construction combining parts of its molecular structure to describe an alpha-phenyltriazolodiazepine. It was coined by scientists specifically to reflect the drug's unique arrangement of atoms rather than borrowing from any existing language or word.