Anxiety drugs include buspirone and Xanax (alprazolam). Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine drug class, however buspirone is not chemically linked to benzodiazepines and functions differently from other anxiolytics. It reduces anxiety by affecting serotonin levels. Xanax works by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in brain cells. GABA is a natural calming agent found in vertebrates (animals with spinal cords). When GABA increases, neurons are less likely to fire off messages to each other leading to less anxiety. Alprazolam is more effective than a placebo but no better than psychotherapy for treating generalized anxiety disorder or panic attacks. It may also be used to treat phobias about having a heart attack or panic attacks alone. Buspirone has been proven to be as effective as Xanax for treating anxiety disorders but causes fewer side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. They both work by reducing anxiety but they go about it differently. Xanax affects the brain's neurotransmitters while buspirone targets serotonin which helps control emotions. Both medications can be used together with other medications or treatments. Patients taking antidepressants such as Prozac or Lexapro should not take either medication because it would cause severe depression.