Xanax Drug Analysis

Alprazolam, more commonly known by the brand name, Xanax, is a prescription drug intended to ease stress, anxiety and panic disorders but is also taken recreationally. Xanax falls into a category of drugs known as benzodiazepines, drugs which work within the Central Nervous System and produce sedative and relaxing effects (ADF, 2014). For this reason, Xanax prescriptions are sometimes requested to help people deal with similar, “less extreme” cases that they feel the drug is necessary for such as stage fright. Since it was first introduced to the market in 1981, this issue has affected doctors, established Xanax users, people who have not used the drug before but have been recommended it by peers and Xanax addicts..

Biochemistry behind the issue - (marked as KU1, KU2, KU3 on SACE Rubric)

It works by enhancing a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the body’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter (Denver Naturopathic Clinic, n.d.). GABA is responsible for regulating the neural activities which can cause conditions such as panic and anxiety attacks. GABA works by the GABA transmitters binding to the GABA receptors, which are located in the neuron’s cell membrane as seen in Figure 1 (Med School Made Easy, 2014). When Xanax enhances these neurotransmitters, they proceed to bind to the receptors more often and allowing more chloride ions into the neurons. This hyperpolarizes the membrane (makes it more negatively charged) and inhibits action potential of the cells (Med School Made Easy, 2014). With the nerve activity effectively being calmed down, the user’s stress, panic and anxiety levels should also see a decrease (Med School Made Easy,