Xanax is an antianxiety drug approved by the FDA for treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. It and its generic version, alprazolam, are also often prescribed off-label for people with bipolar disorder, even if they don't have those specific anxiety disorders as well, usually to treat anxiety and insomnia.

The FDA-approved information about Xanax emphasizes the risk of emotional and physical dependence, especially at doses of 4mg/day or higher. To minimize withdrawal...