Alprazolam (Xanax) is classified as which type of medication?

• A. Opioid antagonist
• B. Benzodiazepine
• C. Barbiturate
• D. Antipsychotic

Answer: (B)

Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine. This question asks you to identify the drug’s pharmacologic class based on how it works. Benzodiazepines bind to a site on the GABA-A receptor and enhance the effect of GABA, the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter. This increases chloride ion influx into neurons, leading to greater neuronal inhibition. The result is anxiolysis, sedation, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects, which is why alprazolam is used for anxiety and panic disorders.

It’s not an opioid antagonist (which would block opioid receptors to reverse an overdose), not a barbiturate (another CNS depressant with a different binding profile and greater risk in overdose), and not an antipsychotic (which primarily blocks dopamine receptors). In practice, recognize the benzodiazepine class to anticipate effects, risks (including dependence and withdrawal), and safety considerations in patients with substance use histories.