Benzodiazepines like alprazolam bind to our gamma- aminobutyric acid receptors. (GABA it's way easier to type). Those receptors are the ones that inhibit our excitability... Calm us down. Relieve anxiety... They are the opposite of the glutamate receptors.<\nerdmode>

In my experience, they work really well. I am personally not able to take SSRI's. One time I was given an SSRI during a period of life that I was under extreme stress. I had a somewhat unusual reaction to it... something called serotonin syndrome, which is not a thing I would ever want to do again.

I had to go to the ER to be stabilized. It was scary. They gave me a prescription for eight 0.5mg alprazolams. They were a lifesaver.

That's a giant amount that you have in your hand there. I think those are the one milligrams, too, right?