Xanax (Alprazolam)

Alprazolam, sold as Xanax, is a fast-acting benzodiazepine prescribed for the short-term relief of severe anxiety and panic. You can request it online at PharmXtra after a consultation with a UK-registered prescriber. Here are the key facts at a glance.

You can get alprazolam from PharmXtra by completing a short online consultation, with no GP appointment or referral needed. It is not available on the NHS, so a regulated private service is one of the few legal routes to treatment. The process is quick, confidential and reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber.

1. Complete a short online consultation about your symptoms and medical history.
2. A UK-registered prescriber reviews your answers to confirm alprazolam is safe and suitable for you.
3. If approved, a UK pharmacy dispenses your treatment, with the price shown clearly before you pay.
4. Your order is delivered discreetly to your chosen address with tracked delivery.

Start your consultation to find out whether alprazolam is right for you.

"The consultation is quick, but it does real work. It is where we confirm alprazolam is right for you and rule out anything that would make it unsafe. If it is a good fit, there is nothing more you need to arrange," says the PharmXtra Clinical Team.

PharmXtra is a UK online prescribing service where every request is reviewed by registered clinicians before any medicine is supplied. When you choose PharmXtra for alprazolam, you get:

• UK-registered prescribers and pharmacists who review every consultation.
• Genuine medicine dispensed by a regulated UK pharmacy, not counterfeit tablets from unregulated sellers.
• Discreet, tracked delivery to your door, with a choice of delivery and payment options.
• Transparent pricing shown in full before you confirm your order.
• Confidential support if you have questions about your treatment.

The price of your alprazolam treatment depends on the strength and quantity your prescriber approves, and the full cost is shown clearly before you pay, with no hidden fees. Pricing is set out in the table below.

Prices are factual and include the prescriber review and pharmacy dispensing. Supply is only ever confirmed after a successful consultation.

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine, a group of medicines sometimes called minor tranquillisers or "benzos", used to calm the nervous system and relieve the symptoms of severe anxiety and panic ^[1]. Alprazolam is the active ingredient, and Xanax is its best-known brand name. In the UK it is licensed for the short-term treatment of severe anxiety in adults, and it is sometimes prescribed off-label for panic disorder and panic attacks ^[4]. Its use in panic disorder has been examined in clinical trials, including the Cross-National Collaborative Panic Study ^[15].

Alprazolam is a central nervous system depressant. It binds to GABA-A receptors in the brain and enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a natural chemical that quiets nerve activity ^[2][14]. By boosting GABA at these receptors, alprazolam produces a rapid calming effect, which is why it is used for short bursts of severe anxiety ^[14]. It comes as 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg oral tablets and, because it is a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, it is only available on a private prescription ^[3][20].

Our infographic sets out the key facts to know about alprazolam before you start your consultation.

Your prescriber sets the exact alprazolam dose that is right for you, and it is always kept as low and as short as possible. Treatment usually starts at 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg taken two to three times a day, and the total dose rarely needs to go above 3 mg a day, in line with the British National Formulary (BNF) ^[4][19]. Courses are normally limited to two to four weeks, including the time spent gradually reducing the dose at the end.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next one, in which case skip it. Never take a double dose to catch up, and never stop suddenly after regular use. Your prescriber will plan how to reduce and stop your treatment safely.

Alprazolam is suitable for many adults with severe anxiety, but not for everyone, which is exactly what your consultation is designed to check. Your prescriber will look at your medical history and current medicines before approving treatment. Alprazolam is generally not suitable if you are allergic to benzodiazepines, or if you have myasthenia gravis, severe breathing problems, sleep apnoea or severe liver problems ^[4][18].

Your prescriber will also take extra care, and may recommend a different approach, if any of the following apply:

• You are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• You have a history of alcohol or drug dependence
• You have depression or thoughts of self-harm
• You have a breathing condition such as COPD
• You have kidney or liver problems
• You are older or frail, as you may be more sensitive to its effects
• You take other medicines that cause drowsiness, especially opioids

Completing an honest consultation is the quickest way to find out if alprazolam is right for you. If it is not the best option, your prescriber can talk through the alternatives during the same consultation.

The main difference between alprazolam and diazepam is how quickly they act and how long they last. Alprazolam is shorter-acting, working fast and wearing off sooner, while diazepam is longer-acting and stays in the body for much longer. Both are prescribed short-term, and PharmXtra offers a consultation for each so a prescriber can decide which suits you.

Read our full guide on alprazolam vs diazepam, or view our diazepam treatment page.

The most common side effects of alprazolam are drowsiness, dizziness, poor coordination and memory problems. These sedative effects happen because the medicine slows activity in the brain and central nervous system, and reviews of alprazolam describe how they can also affect memory and driving performance ^[16]. Most are mild and settle as your body adjusts, but some reactions are serious and need urgent medical help.

Full list of possible side effects

• Drowsiness and extreme tiredness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
• Low mood or depression
• Memory problems or amnesia
• Irritability or mood changes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Restlessness
• Breathing difficulties
• Allergic reactions
• Physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms

A doctor's overview of the side effects and how to manage them

Dr Irfan Siddique, an independent Deputy Medical Superintendent, explains the common side effects and how to handle them: "Alprazolam (brand name Xanax) is a prescription medicine used mainly for anxiety and anxiety-related depression. It is sometimes prescribed off-label for insomnia. Its adverse effects include dizziness, headaches, confusion, irritability and memory problems. Alprazolam can also increase the risk of physical dependence and addiction. If you experience any of these side effects, it is best to seek medical advice." As Dr Siddique notes, most side effects are linked to sedation, so avoid driving, alcohol and anything that needs full concentration until you know how the medicine affects you.

Alprazolam interacts dangerously with anything else that slows the central nervous system, and with some medicines that change how your body breaks it down. Tell your prescriber about every medicine, supplement and recreational substance you use, so they can check it is safe for you. The combinations below need the most care.

Alprazolam is prescribed in short courses because the body can start to rely on it within a few weeks, and staying on it long-term raises the risk of physical dependence and tolerance ^[6][9]. Prescribing it for two to four weeks covers the period you need while lowering that risk. This short-course approach is standard practice for benzodiazepines under guidance from NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) ^[5], and it is one of the things your prescriber will explain.

If you have taken alprazolam regularly, do not stop suddenly, as this can trigger a withdrawal syndrome, including rebound anxiety, insomnia and tremor ^[6]. The safe way to stop is a gradual dose reduction, which your prescriber will plan with you ^[10].

"We prescribe alprazolam in short, planned courses, and we build in how to stop it right from the start. Used this way, and only when it is the right fit, it can help people through a genuinely difficult patch," says the PharmXtra Clinical Team.

An alprazolam overdose is a medical emergency, because too much can slow the central nervous system to the point where breathing stops. The risk is much higher when it is mixed with alcohol or opioids. Watch for these signs:

If you suspect an overdose or a serious reaction in yourself or someone else, call 999 or go to A&E straight away.

Always get alprazolam through a regulated pharmacy and a proper prescription, because counterfeit "Xanax" sold on unregulated websites or the street is common and dangerous. Fake versions have repeatedly been found to contain other drugs entirely, including highly potent substances such as fentanyl ^[11][12]. The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), which regulates medicines in the UK, has warned about falsified benzodiazepines sold online ^[23]. These fakes have caused serious harm and deaths, and there is no way to tell a counterfeit tablet just by looking at it ^[13]. Ordering through PharmXtra means your medicine is genuine and dispensed by a UK pharmacy. If you are worried about your own or someone else's benzodiazepine use, FRANK offers free, confidential advice and support ^[21].

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and driving

Do not take alprazolam if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a doctor specifically advises it, because it can harm an unborn baby and passes into breast milk. Alprazolam also causes drowsiness and slows your reactions, so do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Under UK law it is an offence to drive while impaired by prescription medicines.

For full details about this medicine, read the alprazolam (Xanax) patient information leaflet and the summary of product characteristics on the electronic medicines compendium.

PharmXtra customers rate our service, delivery and pharmacy through Feefo, an independent reviews platform. These reviews reflect people's experience of using PharmXtra, from the consultation to delivery. Everyone's experience of a medicine is different, so alprazolam is only ever supplied after a prescriber confirms it is suitable for you.

You can also read independent patient experiences of alprazolam on sites such as Drugs.com and WebMD.

How do I get alprazolam (Xanax) from PharmXtra?

You get alprazolam from PharmXtra by completing a short online consultation, which a UK-registered prescriber reviews. If alprazolam is approved as suitable for you, a UK pharmacy dispenses it and delivers it discreetly to your door. You do not need a GP appointment or referral.

Do I need a prescription for alprazolam?

Yes, alprazolam is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, so you need a valid private prescription from a registered prescriber. At PharmXtra this is arranged through your online consultation, with no separate GP visit needed.

How much does alprazolam cost?

The cost of alprazolam depends on the strength and quantity your prescriber approves, and the full price is shown clearly before you confirm your order. There is no separate charge for the prescriber review, and pricing is set out on this page.

How is alprazolam delivered?

Once your treatment is approved, alprazolam is dispensed by a UK pharmacy and sent with discreet, tracked delivery. You can choose from the available delivery options during checkout.

Is alprazolam (Xanax) available on the NHS?

No, alprazolam is not prescribed on the NHS, so a regulated private service such as PharmXtra is one of the few legal routes to treatment. Your request is still reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber before anything is supplied.

Is alprazolam legal in the UK?

Yes, alprazolam is legal in the UK when you have a valid private prescription from a registered prescriber. It is a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 ^[20], and it sits in Schedule 4 (Part I) of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 ^[22]. This is why buying it without a prescription, or from unregulated sellers, is illegal and unsafe.

Is alprazolam addictive?

Yes, alprazolam can be addictive, which is why it is prescribed only for short courses, usually up to four weeks. Your prescriber keeps the dose low and plans how to stop the medicine safely.

How do I know if alprazolam is right for me?

Your online consultation is designed to answer exactly this. A prescriber reviews your symptoms, medical history and current medicines to confirm alprazolam is safe and suitable, and can suggest an alternative if it is not.

How long does alprazolam take to work and how long does it last?

Alprazolam usually takes about one to two hours to take full effect, and its calming effects last several hours. Its half-life is about 12 to 15 hours, so it clears from a healthy adult's body over roughly two to three days.

Can you overdose on alprazolam?

Yes, you can overdose on alprazolam, and it is a medical emergency. Signs include extreme drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing and loss of consciousness, and the risk is much higher when mixed with alcohol or opioids. Call 999 if an overdose is suspected.

Should you avoid alcohol while taking alprazolam?

Yes, avoid alcohol completely while taking alprazolam, because both slow the central nervous system. Together they can dangerously slow your breathing and increase the risk of a fatal overdose.

Can you take opioids with alprazolam?

No, alprazolam and opioid painkillers such as codeine and oxycodone should not be taken together unless a doctor has specifically advised it, because the combination can cause severe breathing problems, coma and fatal overdose.

Can you use alprazolam for sleep?

Alprazolam is not licensed for insomnia in the UK, but it is sometimes prescribed off-label for sleep when severe anxiety is the cause. For sleep problems on their own, other short-term options such as zolpidem or zopiclone may be more suitable.

Is alprazolam an opioid?

No, alprazolam is not an opioid. It is a benzodiazepine that works by boosting GABA in the brain, rather than acting on the body's opioid receptors.

What does alprazolam feel like?

Alprazolam generally feels calming and relaxing, because it slows the central nervous system to ease panic and anxiety. It often causes drowsiness and lightheadedness, especially at first.

Does alprazolam affect sex drive?

Alprazolam can lower sex drive in some people, as a knock-on effect of the way it calms the central nervous system. This usually improves once the medicine is stopped.

Is Mexican "Xanax" (Farmapram) the same as UK alprazolam?

No, Mexican "Xanax", often sold as Farmapram, is not made to the same regulated standards, and products from unregulated sources are highly likely to be counterfeit. Always get alprazolam through a regulated UK pharmacy.

"Alprazolam has a genuine role in the short-term treatment of severe anxiety when it is prescribed and used correctly. Our job is to make sure it is the right fit for you, to prescribe it in a short and planned course, and to support you throughout. The most important thing we can tell you is to only ever take alprazolam that has come through a proper prescription and a regulated pharmacy, never from an unregulated seller, because that is where the real danger lies. If severe anxiety is affecting your daily life, start a consultation and let our prescribers help you find the safest way forward."

PharmXtra Clinical Team

1. NHS Inform: Benzodiazepines (benzos) overview
2. Mind: Alprazolam (Xanax) patient guide
3. UK Health Security Agency: Alprazolam (Xanax) - what are the facts?
4. electronic medicines compendium: Xanax (alprazolam) Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)
5. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence): Generalised anxiety disorder guidance
6. Ait-Daoud N et al. (2018): A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal, Journal of Addiction Medicine
7. National Institute on Drug Abuse: Benzodiazepines and opioids
8. Drugs.com: Alprazolam drug interactions
9. NHS: Generalised anxiety disorder in adults - treatment
10. UK Addiction Treatment Centres: Xanax (alprazolam) detox and withdrawal
11. BBC News (2019): Warning over fake Xanax
12. ITV News (2023): The teenagers killed by fake prescription drugs
13. Grigg J et al. (2023): Falsified alprazolam (Xanax), a public health risk, PubMed
14. Griffin CE et al. (2013): Benzodiazepine Pharmacology and Central Nervous System-Mediated Effects, Ochsner Journal
15. Cross-National Collaborative Panic Study (1988): efficacy of alprazolam in panic disorder, Archives of General Psychiatry
16. Verster JC and Volkerts ER (2004): Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Efficacy, and Behavioral Toxicity of Alprazolam, a review, CNS Drug Reviews
17. Sun EC et al. (2017): Concurrent use of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines and risk of overdose, The BMJ
18. Alprazolam: StatPearls, National Library of Medicine (NCBI Bookshelf)
19. British National Formulary (BNF): Alprazolam dosage and interactions
20. Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (legislation.gov.uk): Class C controlled drugs
21. FRANK: Benzodiazepines, advice and harm reduction
22. Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (legislation.gov.uk): Schedule 4 Part I
23. MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency): medicines regulation and falsified medicines

Related treatments

• Diazepam
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

PharmXtra guides

• Beginner's guide to Xanax
• Is using Xanax for anxiety recommended?
• Alprazolam vs diazepam
• Xanax side effects: what you need to know
• Is using Xanax for sleep recommended?
• Coping with situational anxiety