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Safety of Long-Term Use of Xanax

Xanax, generically known as alprazolam, is a short-acting benzodiazepine drug available with a prescription from your doctor.

  1. Function

    • Xanax is used to treat anxiety with or without depressive symptoms and social disorders. Xanax is usually prescribed on a short-term basis.

    Time Frame

    • Xanax is typically prescribed over several months to a few years, but is not recommended for long-term use.

    Dependency

    • Xanax can be taken sporadically or on an as-needed basis. If Xanax is taken every day, it can cause drug dependency. Because Xanax is in the benzodiazepine class of drugs, it is considered addictive.

    Long-Term Effects

    • Long-term use of Xanax can cause the drug to stop working. After taking Xanax for 10 years or more, the body may form a resistance to the drug and require more medication to get the same effect.

    Warning

    • Xanax is considered a controlled substance by the FDA because of its highly addictive nature.

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