Alprazolam (marketed in the U.S. as Xanax) is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, tremors, and, in some cases, depression. Alprazolam.png|Alprazolam structure Unlike other drugs in the family (vallium, Ativan, etc.) Xanax does have psychotropic effects. It may also have minor negative side-effects such as vivid or disturbing dreams, narcolepsy, or severe withdrawal effects. Alprazolam is typically administered in doses of 0.25mg-2.5mg.