Whether or not you have anxiety, you’ve probably heard of Xanax. But what’s in this popular and widely prescribed drug, and how does it work?

Picture this scene: You’re lying wide awake at 2 a.m. despite having gone to bed four hours earlier. You toss and turn. But no matter what sleep position you attempt or how many guided meditations you ...

Medically reviewed by Violetta Shamilova, PharmD Key Takeaways Xanax works faster than Ativan, but it doesn't last as long. Avoid drinking alcohol or using other sedatives with these ...

Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD Key Takeaways Klonopin usually works within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it by mouth.Klonopin injected intravenously reaches the brain in under a minute.Food ...

Like many clinical psychologists who specialize in exposure therapy for anxiety, I have a big beef with benzodiazepines. These fast-acting anxiety reducers (e.g., Xanax, Klonopin) are among the most ...

For years, scientists thought that these powerful sedatives, which are used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and sleeping disorders, worked alone to calm nerves. Now, researchers show that this view ...

The mere thought of climbing into a car sends Jenn Waterman spiraling into a state of agitation and fear. Waterman, a 30-year-old freelance book editor who lives in Arapaho, North Carolina, survived ...

Long-term use of benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, may impair cognition and increase the risk of developing dementia. How? By activating microglia to prune synapses, ...

Americans' use of anti-anxiety medications has increased dramatically, and while medications can play an important role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, they are not risk-free and in some cases ...

Xanax withdrawal can have serious side effects if not managed correctly. A doctor can help you design a tapering schedule if you need to stop taking the medication. Xanax is a prescription medication ...