How Xanax Works (IMAGE) American Chemical Society Caption Whether or not you have anxiety, you've probably heard of Xanax. But what's in this popular and widely prescribed drug, and how does it work? This new video from Reactions describes how Xanax works in the anxious brain: https://youtu.be/Kq6oNcd3d-U. Credit The American Chemical Society Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.