Xanax is a brand name for the medication alprazolam, which belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is primarily prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders, panic disorder, and occasionally for other conditions such as insomnia or certain types of seizures.

Here are its main uses:

1. Anxiety Disorders: Xanax is commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder. It helps alleviate feelings of excessive worry, nervousness, and tension associated with these disorders.

2. Panic Disorder: Xanax is particularly effective in the treatment of panic disorder, which involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. Xanax can help reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks, as well as alleviate anticipatory anxiety about future attacks.