Xanax is a brand name for the drug alprazolam, which belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It is commonly prescribed to treat various anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax is often prescribed to individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, a condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry about everyday life events and activities. Xanax is approved for the treatment of panic disorder, which involves sudden and recurrent episodes of intense fear or discomfort (panic attacks). It is used to alleviate acute symptoms and help prevent the onset of panic attacks.