Drug/name of drug/route of administration, dosage Alprazolam falls into the category of benzodiazepines, whose marketing began in the early 1960s. Alprazolam is the generic version of Xanax, made for oral administration, available in 0.25, 0.05, 1, and 2 mg. Street names for Xanax include Xannies, Upjohn (comes from the pharmaceutical company name now known as Pfizer) and the popular name Benzos. A direct link to abuse and dependence has been found with the use of benzodiazepines (Dickson, et al. 1990). It started for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, as a muscle relaxant, seizures and basically to relax an individual in the daily stress of life. The Upjohn Company began selling alprazolam, calling it Xanax, and using it for symptoms associated with anxiety. By 1988, Xanax was the best-selling benzodiazepine and was later indicated for the treatment of social phobias, panic disorders, agoraphobia, schizophrenia, and premenstrual symptoms (Dickson, et al. 1990). Type and Subtype of Substance This drug is intended to provide a safer alternative to Valium, however research and the number of addiction cases monitored over the years suggest otherwise (Glod, 1992). According to the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services (2003), Xanax also launched Xanax XR, which was released as an extended-release tablet for the treatment of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Recorded side effects of this drug include “sedation, memory impairment, speech difficulties, abnormal coordination and gait, and decreased sexual desire which is common for prescription drugs. Journal of American College Health, 54(5), 269-78. Retrieved from http://bluehawk.monmouth.edu:2048/?url=/docview/213071017?accountid=12532Miller, L. (2012). Retrieved from http://nymag.com/news/features/xanax-2012-3/Santow, S. & McClymont, A. (2013, May 22). Xanax abuse prompts tighter regulation of anti-anxiety drugs. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-22/tougher-rules-for-xanax-on-the-way/4705656Goodnough, A. (2011, September 14). Xanax abuse leads clinic to cut off supplies. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/us/in-louisville-a-centers-doctors-cut-off-xanax-prescriptions.html?_r=0Insomnia, depression can occur with discontinuation of Xanax, (January 27, 2012). Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/01/27/insomnia-depression-may-arise-with-xanax- withdrawal/