Alprazolam is FDA licensed for the short term treatment (up to 8 weeks) of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. Alprazolam is very effective in preventing moderate to severe anxiety, essential tremor, panic attacks and other types of convulsive behaviors. Physicians who elect to prescribe alprazolam for longer than 8 weeks should be aware that continued efficacy has not been systematically demonstrated beyond 8 weeks use as tolerance to alprazolam's effects may occur after 8 weeks.[4]
Alprazolam is recommended for the short term treatment (2 - 4 weeks) of severe acute anxiety. Alprazolam should not generally be used for longer periods because the body becomes rapidly tolerant to the drugs effects with the risk of withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the drug.