Alprazolam, marketed under the brand name Xanax, is a medication commonly used to manage anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and sometimes insomnia. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs and functions by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, resulting in a calming effect. It's crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosage provided by a healthcare professional and to be mindful of the potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use.