Is it better to take alprazolam before anxiety starts, or wait till it sets in?

Before: Benzos work better at preventing anxiety than after the fact. Pretreating anxious situations may prevent panic attacks and result in lower needed doses. Ideally you'll learn cbt and relaxation techniques that may reduce the need for medication.

See below: If anxiety symptoms are frequent, an ssri is the first line treatment along with cbt (therapy). There are many downsides with using alprazolam, so please re-assess risk/ benefits with your psychaitrist.