Xanax
Generic name: alprazolam
Brand name: Xanax, Xanax XR
Drug class: Benzodiazepines
What is Xanax?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine. It is believed that alprazolam is able to work by increasing the neurotransmitters that are active within the brain.
Xanax can be used to combat anxiety disorders and stress due to depression.
Xanax can also be used for treating panic disorders or without fear of certain situations or places which could cause anxiety and helplessness or embarrassment (agoraphobia).
It’s risky to buy Xanax via the Internet or outside of the United States. The distribution and sales of drugs outside of the U.S. do not comply with the safe-use guidelines that are enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medicines could contain hazardous components, or could not be sold through an authorized pharmacy.¶
Warnings
Xanax can reduce or stop breathing, particularly if had a recent use of an opioid as well as alcohol.
Misuse of Xanax can lead to overdose and death in rate cases. Place the medication in a safe place so that others can’t access it.
Do not stop taking Xanax without consulting your physician. There is a risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if quit using the medication abruptly after prolonged use. Certain withdrawal symptoms may last for a period of 12 months or more.
Get medical assistance immediately If you stop taking Xanax and experience symptoms that include: abnormal muscle movements, becoming more talkative or active, or having sudden and extreme changes in behavior or mood such as hallucinations, confusion or seizures, or even thoughts of suicide.
Xanax is a federally controlled substance (C-IV) since it has the potential to be misused or cause dependence. Make sure to keep this medication in a secure location to stop abuse and misuse. The act of selling or giving away Xanax could cause harm to others and is not legal. Inform your doctor whether you’ve abused or become dependent on prescription medications, alcohol, and street drugs.
Before taking this medication, you must consult your physician
You shouldn’t consume Xanax If:
- Additionally, you can take antifungal medications like ketoconazole or itraconazole and
- If you’ve had an allergy history with any of the benzodiazepines (alprazolam diazepam Ativan, Valium, Versed, Klonopin, and others).
To ensure that Xanax is safe for you, ask your doctor if previously had:
- breathing issues;
- addiction to alcohol or drugs;
- depression, mood disorders, or suicidal or suicidal-like thoughts, behavior or mood or
- Kidney or liver diseases.
Consult your physician whether you’re pregnant or planning to be pregnant. If you are taking Xanax during your pregnancy the baby may be born with withdrawal symptoms that could be life-threatening and may require medical attention for a few weeks.
It is not recommended to breastfeed.
If you breastfeed, consult your physician in the event that you notice any drowsiness or feeding issues with the infant.
Not permitted for use by anyone less than the age of 18.
How do I take Xanax?
You should take Xanax exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on the prescription label, and be sure to read all the medication instructions or medication guidance sheets. Don’t make use of Xanax in greater quantities, or for a longer duration than what is prescribed. Inform your doctor if have a strong urge to take more of this drug.
Do not share this medication with anyone else, especially those who have a history of substance abuse or addiction. In the wrong hands, it could lead to addiction and/or overdose or even death. Make sure to keep the medication at a distance from where other people can’t access it. The selling or distribution of this medicine is against law.
Take your Xanax XR extended-release tablet entire. Don’t crush, chew or break the tablet.
Contact your physician if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.
If you take this medication for a long time, you might require regular medical examinations.
Don’t stop taking Xanax without consulting your physician. There is a risk of developing life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if quit using the medication suddenly after prolonged use.
Keep Xanax within the room at a temperature, away from heat, humidity, and light. Place your medication in a location that is secure and where nobody can access it incorrectly.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:
Tablets with immediate-release: 0.25 to 0.5 mg orally administered three times a day
-Maximum dose: 4 mg/day
Usual Adult Dose for Panic Disorder:
Tablets with immediate release: 0.5 mg orally administered three times per day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Extended-release tablets:
Initial dosage: 0.5 to 1 mg every day, taken orally.
Maintenance dosage 3 – 6 mg taken orally every day, with a preference for the early morning
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Comments:
The lowest dose that is effective should be administered, with the requirement for ongoing treatment should be evaluated frequently.
Dosage should be decreased gradually after stopping a treatment or when you reduce the dosage daily.
The daily dose can be reduced by not more than 0.5 mg every three days but some patients might require a slower dosage reduction.
The dosage of extended-release tablets can be increased at intervals of 3-4 days, in increments of not more than 1 mg each day.
The times of administration must be spread as evenly as feasible throughout the daytime.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety:
Patients with debilitating or elderly conditions:
Instant-release tablets: 0.25 mg orally administered three or two times per day.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Panic Disorder:
Debilitated or elderly patients:
Immediate-release tablets:
Initial dosage: 0.25 mg orally administered at least 2 or 3 times per day
Extended-release tablets:
Initial dosage: 0.5 mg orally once every day
Comments:
If there are any side effects then the dose could be reduced.
The lowest effective dose is recommended and the necessity for continuing treatment is regularly reassessed.
Dosage should be decreased gradually after stopping a treatment or when you reduce the daily dose.
How do I deal with it if do not take the dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you can, however, do not take any missed doses if it’s close to the time of the next dose. Don’t take two doses at a time.
How do I react if consume too much?
Get medical attention immediately or contact for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Alprazolam overdose can cause death when taken in combination with alcohol, opioid medications, or other substances that result in drowsiness or slow breathing.
The signs of an overdose could include slurred speech and muscle weakness and loss of balance coordination, feeling lightheaded and slow heartbeats. They may also experience low or shallow breathing as well as fainting or coma.
What should I stay clear of while taking Xanax?
Do not drink or consume alcohol. Dangerous side effects or even death can occur.
Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects of this medication on you. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to accidents, falls, or serious injuries.
Xanax side effects
Take immediate medical attention If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy reaction Xanax symptoms include asthmatic breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat.
Alprazolam may slow or stop breathing, particularly if you’ve recently consumed an opioid or alcohol. Anyone who cares for you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience prolonged breathing, pauses in your breathing, and blue lips or if you find it difficult to get up.
Contact your doctor immediately If you suffer from:
- Breathing that is shallow or weak;
- a euphoric feeling, similar to you’re passing out;
- a seizure;
- hallucinations, risk-taking behavior;
- more energy, less requirement for sleeping;
- racing thoughts, feeling agitated or talking;
- double vision or
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Dizziness or drowsiness can persist for longer for older people. Be careful to stay away from falls or injury that is accidental.
Common Xanax side effects can be:
- Drowsiness or
- Feeling lightheaded.
After stopping taking Xanax, get medical assistance immediately if you are experiencing symptoms like abnormal muscle movements, becoming more talkative or active abrupt and drastic changes in behavior or mood such as hallucinations, confusion, and seizures, suicidal ideas, or behavior.
The withdrawal symptoms of some patients can last for 12 months or more after abruptly stopping the medication. Consult your physician when you experience persistent depression, anxiety, and memory problems, as well as thinking, difficulty sleeping or sleeping ear ringing and a prickly or burning sensation, or a feeling of crawling under your skin.
This isn’t a complete list of all side effects. other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs can impact Xanax?
It is sometimes not safe to use certain medications in conjunction with other medications. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels from other medications you take, which could create side effects or render the medication less effective.
The combination of Xanax along with other medications that cause you to sleep or cause breathing to slow down could cause serious negative side effects or even deaths. Ask your doctor prior to taking opioids such as a sleeping pill, muscle relaxers, or medication for anxiety or seizures.
A variety of drugs interact with alprazolam and certain medications should not be taken at the same time. Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, as well as herbs.
For more information
Always consult your physician to make sure the information presented on this page is applicable to your particular situation.