Alprazolam, also known under the trade names Xanax, Xanor and Niravam, is a short-acting drug of the benzodiazepine class used to treat moderate to severe anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and is used as an adjunctive treatment for anxiety associated with moderate depression. It is also available in an extended-release form, Xanax XR, both of which now available in generic form. Alprazolam possesses anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties.
Alprazolam may be habit-forming, and long-term use and/or abuse may cause a physical dependence to develop along with withdrawal reactions during abrupt or rapid discontinuation. In the USA, alprazolam is a schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
Benzodiazipenes alone are not, in and of themselves, terribly harmful. However, they are highly addictive, and tolerance can be built up rapidly. You’re right about rapid deceleration of rate of ingestion. Weaning can cause a host of problems, including seizures.
It’s the addictiveness and weaning issues that cause many doctors not to prescribe benzos. One pharmacist I know said you could probably take a whole bottle of valium and not kill yourself.
Now the vicodin...combined with benzos - the Heath Ledger cocktail.