Xanax Long-Term Use: Risks, Duration & Alternatives

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

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.