alprazolam: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “alprazolam” mean?
A prescription medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class, used primarily to treat anxiety and panic disorders by acting as a central nervous system depressant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A prescription medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class, used primarily to treat anxiety and panic disorders by acting as a central nervous system depressant.
A fast-acting anxiolytic drug known under the brand name Xanax, with significant potential for dependence and abuse; its use is tightly regulated in medical and legal contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. The generic name 'alprazolam' is standard in both medical communities. Colloquially, the brand name 'Xanax' is dominant in both regions.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations of prescription drug misuse, addiction, and public health crisis, particularly in American media. In the UK, it is less frequently discussed in pop culture but retains the same clinical seriousness.
Frequency
More frequently referenced in American media and everyday discourse due to higher prevalence of prescriptions and associated public health discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “alprazolam” in a Sentence
The doctor prescribed [Patient] [Dosage] of alprazolam for [Condition].[Patient] was taking alprazolam to manage [Symptom].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alprazolam” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable; alprazolam is not used as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable; alprazolam is not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable]
American English
- [Not applicable]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable as a standalone adjective. Can be used in compounds like 'alprazolam therapy']
American English
- [Not applicable as a standalone adjective. Can be used in compounds like 'alprazolam prescription']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical industry reports, patent discussions, or regulatory compliance.
Academic
Common in medical, pharmacological, psychiatric, and public health research papers.
Everyday
Rare; the brand name 'Xanax' is used instead. If used, it's in discussions about personal medication or news stories about drug abuse.
Technical
The standard term in clinical notes, pharmacopoeias, prescription labels, and scientific literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alprazolam”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alprazolam”
- Misspelling as 'alprozolam' or 'alprazolem'.
- Using it as a countable noun without 'a tablet/dose of' (e.g., 'I took an alprazolam').
- Pronouncing it /ælˈpræksəlæm/ (confusing with Xanax).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, alprazolam is the generic (chemical) name for the medication marketed under the brand name Xanax and others.
It's uncommon. In informal contexts, people typically use the brand name 'Xanax' or simply refer to 'anxiety medication'.
Yes, it is exclusively a countable noun (e.g., 'a prescription for alprazolam'). It does not function as a verb or adjective.
In American English: /ælˈpræzəˌlæm/ (al-PRA-zu-lam). In British English: /alˈprazəlæm/ (al-PRA-zuh-lam). The stress is on the second syllable.
A prescription medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class, used primarily to treat anxiety and panic disorders by acting as a central nervous system depressant.
Alprazolam is usually technical / medical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ALl my PRAises go to ZOl' when my ANxiety is Low And Managed' (AL-PRA-ZO-L-AM). It highlights the drug's purpose.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SHIELD against anxiety; a CHEMICAL CRUTCH.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary therapeutic use of alprazolam?