Indications Regarding Usage, Efficacy, Pregnancy, Misuse Liability, Tolerance Phenomenon, Withdrawal Syndrome and Conclusion of Alprazolam

Alprazolam is one of the most widely prescribed benzodiazepines especially for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder as well as panic disorder. Its clinical use has been controversial because many primary care physicians continue to prescribe it for longer periods of time than recommended, while the majority of addiction specialists believe it to be extremely addictive due to its unique psychodynamic features that limit its clinical utility. Despite being one of the most often prescribed benzodiazepines, clinical research data has not fully clarified its "abuse liability." The term "abuse liability," which is frequently used in literature, refers to the extent to which a psychoactive substance has characteristics that encourage abuse or addiction. Since "misuse liability" reflects more modern terminology that is congruent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), we have substituted it in our publication. In this paper, we have provided details regarding alprazolam’s indications for use, its effect on pregnant women, misuse liability, withdrawal syndrome, pharmacodynamic properties, and recommend better clinical prescription practice of alprazolam by presenting an in-depth theory of its clinical effects along with use and withdrawal.