Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam, a medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class. It affects chemical activity in the brain and can produce a calming effect. Doctors may prescribe it for specific anxiety or panic-related conditions. The medication can cause drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and other adverse effects. Long-term or inappropriate use may also lead to physical dependence. These factors make professional supervision particularly important. A Xanax tablet should therefore be taken exactly as prescribed. Patients should not change the dose, frequency, or duration of treatment without speaking with their prescriber.