Xanax History
Xanax, otherwise known as alprazolam, is an antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication developed by Upjohn Laboratories of Kalamazoo, Michigan in the late ‘60s. It was originally created to be a superior sleep aid with muscle relaxant qualities, but when Dr. David Sheehan became involved, representatives of Upjohn realized its effectiveness on anxiety, panic and mood disorders.
During that time, other antidepressants were on the market (Tricyclic antidepressants), proving to be harsher and more toxic. The market for benzos was sinking at the time so Upjohn attempted to reposition its benzodiazepine as a drug specific for “panic disorder” which was being to be diagnosed. Upjohn presented a new drug application to the FDA called Xanax, as an antidepressant, producing about 50 double blind studies, proving that alprazolam was better and less toxic than other drugs available at the time.
The FDA did give Upjohn approval, but then changed their minds and decided Upjohn could not launch Xanax as an antidepressant but as an anti-anxiety medication that “does not produce depression.” Because Upjohn had already spent millions of dollars on studies of Xanax to establish that panic was really an independent disease, the FDA did not required them to compare it to placebos or other anti-anxiety medications available at that time (Valium, Librium, etc).
By the early 1990s, Xanax had become one of the hottest drugs in psychiatry, prescribed by many psychiatrists in good faith that they were practicing scientifically and that Xanax offered unique hope in the epidemic of panic disorder sweeping the nation. Among insiders, panic jokingly became known as “the Upjohn illness.”
Xanax Development
Xanax is a derivative of an antidepressant and also has a benzodiazepine molecule, which works to suppress the overreaction of the central nervous system. This group is called triazolobenzodiazepines (Xanax and Halcion). For many years, thousands of doctors around the world have been prescribing Xanax for the treatment of several anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and acute stress disorders. Many patients who suffer from anxiety and depression and are treated with Xanax for long periods of time, experience the antidepressant effects. Chronically depressed patients, who begin to “feel good,” continue to take it and primarily do not develop a tolerance. Whenever they discontinue the use of Xanax, these patients become depressed again. Patients who are treated for anxiety and panic attacks are more prone to relapse once the Xanax or alprazolam is discontinued..
The name Xanax is used all over the world, except in Latin-American countries where alprazolam is prescribed as “tafil.” Other brand names are used in other countries. The most common effective dose used is 0.25 mg, taken three or four times a day. However many patients do very well with Xanax and take it “as needed.” In other words it’s taken once or twice a day only when the patients feel they need it.
A Swedish company that acquired Upjohn (Pharmacia) continued the research on a long acting Xanax and they developed the Xanax-XR that comes in 1, 2 or 3 mg, taken once a day. Now that Pfizer Pharmaceuticals acquired Pharmacia and Upjohn, this product is made and marketed and sold by Pfizer.
Xanax Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with a Xanax addiction, we can help. Please call our toll free number at (877) 259-5629. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions on Xanax treatment and addiction.
