Taking Xanax may make a person feel tired, relaxed, and quiet. It can also cause side effects like dizziness, memory problems, and dry mouth.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine, which is a class of drugs that can treat anxiety and panic attacks. Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam. The effects of the drug come on quickly and disappear rapidly. The fast-acting properties of Xanax can lead to its misuse. Some people use it without a prescription or in a manner other than indicated on a prescription.

Xanax is an effective medication for managing panic and anxiety attacks. However, using it without a prescription or in ways other than prescribed can pose health risks — especially if people combine it with other depressants, such as alcohol.
Compared with other benzodiazepines, the body absorbs Xanax quickly, so its effects come on rapidly. Within about 1–2 hours, the concentration of Xanax in the blood reaches its peak. The effects of the drug usually appear within 1 hour.