2. Generic Name: Alprazolam Brand Names: Xanax XR or Niravam. Street Names: Z-Bars Handlebars Bicycle Part Football School Bus Yellow Boys, White Boys/Girls

3. Chemical Name: 8-Chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H- s-triazolo [4,3-α] [1,4] benzodiazepine Chemical Formula: C 17 H 13 ClN 4 Structural Formula:

4. Xanax is an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drug used to calm anxieties. Family: benzodiazepine Controlled Substance Act Schedule: IV Not as addictive as the drugs of schedule III Has an accepted medical use in the U.S.

5. Xanax was created in Upjohn Laboratories in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Introduced in late 1960s as a sleep aid and muscle relaxant. Dr. David Sheehan realized it could calm anxieties. Many psychiatrist began prescribing Xanax to their patients after it was approved by the FDA.

6. Currently manufactured by the Pfizer Company. Active Ingredient: Alprazolam Inactive Ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose Corn starch Docusate sodium Povidone Sodium starch glycollate Lactose monohydrate Magnesium stearate Colloidal silicon dioxide Sodium benzoate

7. Xanax is only obtainable through a prescription; however, many people deal Xanax illegally on the streets. The most common users of Xanax are those with severe anxieties and needs medication to control those anxieties.

8. Xanax increases GABA activity in the brain. GABA reduces the brain’s excitement and calms it down. By calming down the brain, GABA also creates a drowsy effect. Long term use will alter brain chemistry and lead to a physical dependence.

9. This man took 1.00 mg of Xanax for the first time.

10. If taken with alcohol or other drugs, Xanax can impair mental alertness and physical coordination. Taking Xanax in large amounts can lead to: Hallucinations Short-term memory loss Coma Death Average recommended dosage: 0.75 – 4.00 mg Maximum dosage: 10.00 mg per day

12. Traces of Xanax can be detected through a simple urine test that can detect any drug of the benzodiazepine family.

13. If a person became addicted to Xanax because he was prescribed the medicine, it is not illegal. However, if the addiction is not treated for, it may result in illegal activities. Such activities include dealing and stealing, which can result in hefty fines, probation, or jail time.

14. There are many rehabilitation centers to help people beat their Xanax addiction. Different centers help different people with unique needs: Religious-based Exotic locations Wheelchair accessible Some centers even have programs that allow patients to live at home.

15. (n.d.). In Xanax Addiction Help. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://xanaxaddictionhelp.com/ Xanax. (2011, September 7). In Rx List. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://www.rxlist.com/xanax-drug.htm Xanax. (2011). In PDR Health. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/xanax Addiction Blog. (2012, May 1). How does Xanax work?. In Addiction Blog. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://prescription-drug.addictionblog.org/how-does-xanax-work/ Xanax drug test - Valium drug test. (2012). In Home Health Testing. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://www.homehealthtesting.com/xanax-drug-test-valium-drug-test-way-urine-test- p-78.html U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2007, November). Alprazolam (alprazolam) tablet. In Daily Med. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=238050fd-5221-4b93-bfcd- 31793c9088a7