Xanax
Read xanax prescription informationQuick Summary
Xanax is an effective tranquilizer usually used in the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms or the treatment of anxiety disorders usually marked by unrealistic worry or excessive fears and concerns (including anxiety associated with depression). Xanax (and the extended release formulation named "Xanax XR") is also effective in treatment of panic disorder appearing in the result of unexpected panic attacks and usually accompanied by agoraphobia (a fear of open or public places). In some cases xanax could be prescribed to treat alcohol withdrawal, fear of open spaces and strangers, depression, irritable bowel syndroms, and even the premenstrual syndrome.
Read below to get ready for the effective anxiety, depression, and panic treatment course with help of xanax.
Xanax At Work
To do its job, the active ingredient of xanax - alprazolam, binds at stereo specific receptors at several sites within the central nervous system. Interesting fact here is that the exact mechanism of action of these receptors (known by scientists as "GABAA subtype of the GABA receptor") is unknown; however, as all benzodiazepines, xanax cause a dose-related central nervous system depressant activity varying from mild impairment of task performance to hypnosis. Alprazolam is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and later excreted in urine as glucuronides. Some of the drug is also excreted in unchanged form.
What You Should Know Before Using Xanax
First of all, you should be aware of the fact that some medicines that you already take or medical conditions may interact with xanax, and not always in a positive way. In general, if xanax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Contact your doctor and consult them or a pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking to make sure xanax is to be of help for you.
Being more specific, it is important to check with your doctor if you are taking the following: Amiodarone (Cordarone), Antihistamines such as Benadryl and Tavist, Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Certain antibiotics such as Biaxin and erythromycin, Certain antidepressant drugs, including Elavil, Norpramin, and Tofranil, Cimetidine (Tagamet), Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Diltiazem (Cardizem), Disulfiram (Antabuse), Ergotamine, Fluoxetine (Prozac), Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Grapefruit juice, Isoniazid (Rifamate), Major tranquilizers such as Mellaril and Thorazine, Nefazodone (Serzone), Nicardipine (Cardene), Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), Oral contraceptives, Other central nervous system depressants such as Valium and Demerol, Paroxetine (Paxil), Propoxyphene (Darvon), or Sertraline (Zoloft). Even if you can not find a drug that you are taking in the above list, we recommend consulting with doctor or pharmacist to avoid serious consequences.
Special Notes:
- Xanax may intensify the effect of alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking xanax.
- Sporanox or Nizoral cause a buildup of xanax in the body, so please never combine xanax with these drugs.
The full list of contraintradictions is shown in the corresponding section below.
Xanax Usage Directions
Adults
Anxiety Disorder
The starting dose of Xanax is 0.25 to 0.5 milligram taken 3 times a day. The dose may be increased every 3 to 4 days to a maximum daily dose of 4 milligrams, divided into smaller doses.
Panic Disorder
The starting dose of regular Xanax is 0.5 milligram 3 times a day. The dose may be increased by 1 milligram a day every 3 or 4 days. You may be given a dose from 1 up to a total of 10 milligrams, according to your needs. The typical dose is 5 to 6 milligrams a day.
In case you are taking Xanax XR, the starting dose is 0.5 to 1 milligram once a day taken in the morning. Depending on the response of your body, the dose may be gradually increased by no more than 1 milligram every 3 or 4 days. The usual effective dose is 3 to 6 milligrams a day. Some people may need a larger dose to relieve their symptoms while others, including older adults and those with liver disease or other serious illnesses, may need to use lower doses.
Consult your doctor periodically to reassess your treatment and make sure you're getting the right amount of xanax.
Children
Unfortunately, safety and effectiveness of xanax have not been established in children under 18 years of age, so it is highly recommended to avoid giving this medication to children.
Adults of Age 50+
The starting dose for an anxiety disorder is 0.25 milligram, 2 or 3 times daily. The starting dose of Xanax XR is 0.5 milligrams once a day. This dose may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated.
Switching from Xanax to Xanax XR
If you're taking divided doses of Xanax, the doctor will switch you to a once-daily dose of Xanax XR that equals the current amount you're taking. If your symptoms return after switching, the dose can be increased as needed.
Cautions
Never exceed the recommended dose and never take xanax for longer than you are instructed without checking with your doctor. These both factors may cause serious side effects. Do not forget to keep all doctor or laboratory appointments while you are using xanax. If you plan to begin taking any new medicine after the xanax, either prescription or over-the-counter, you should definitely check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid driving or operating machinery, or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness because xanax may cause you to become drowsy or less alert. If you are being treated for panic disorder, the higher dose of xanax may be required than for anxiety alone. But please take into account the fact that high dose (more than 4 mg of xanax) taken for long intervals may cause emotional and physical dependence.
If you suddenly stop using xanax, or doctor lowers your dosage, the withdrawal effects can occur, including abnormal skin sensations, blurred vision, decreased appetite, diarrhea, distorted sense of smell, heightened senses, muscle cramps or twitching, problems concentrating, weight loss, and rarely, seizures. Withdrawal symptoms can be minimized or even avoided altogether by decreasing the Xanax dose gradually.
There is really a small chance that xanax could encourage suicidal thoughts or episodes of euphoria (also known as mania). However, if you notice any unusual symptoms during the xanax-based treatment course, call your doctor immediately.
Xanax should be used with caution in elderly or weak patients, and in those with lung disease, alcoholic liver disease, or any disorder that could hinder the elimination of the drug.
Do not take xanax if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There is an increased risk of respiratory problems and muscular weakness in your baby. Infants may also experience withdrawal symptoms. Xanax may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If xanax is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment with xanax is finished.
Xanax Side Effects
The scientists had discovered the following most common side effects that may occur while taking xanax: abdominal discomfort, abnormal involuntary movement, agitation, allergies, anxiety, blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, constipation, decreased or increased sex drive, depression, diarrhea, difficult urination, dream abnormalities, drowsiness, dry mouth, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, headache, hyperventilation (too frequent or too deep breathing), inability to fall asleep, increase or decrease in appetite, increased or decreased salivation, impaired memory, irritability, lack of or decreased coordination, light-headedness, low blood pressure, menstrual problems, muscular twitching, nausea and vomiting, nervousness, painful menstruation, palpitations, rapid heartbeat, rash, restlessness, ringing in the ears, sedation, sexual dysfunction, skin inflammation, speech difficulties, stiffness, stuffy nose, sweating, tiredness/sleepiness, tremors, upper respiratory infections, weakness, weight gain or loss.
The lesst common side effects of xanax include: Abnormal muscle tone, arm or leg pain, concentration difficulties, dizziness, double vision, fear, hallucinations, hot flushes, inability to control urination or bowel movements, infection, itching, joint pain, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, muscle spasticity, rage, seizures, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, slurred speech, stimulation, talkativeness, taste alterations, temporary memory loss, tingling or pins and needles, uninhibited behavior, urine retention, weakness in muscle and bone, yellow eyes and skin.
Side effects due to decrease or withdrawal from Xanax or Xanax XR may include: anxiety, blurred vision, decreased concentration, decreased mental clarity, depression, diarrhea, headache, heightened awareness of noise or bright lights, hot flushes, impaired sense of smell, insomnia, loss of appetite, loss of reality, muscle cramps, nervousness, rapid breathing, seizures, tingling sensation, tremor, twitching, weight loss.
Xanax side effects are most commonly seen at the beginning of treatment course and should disappear with continued medication. It is necessary to mention that if you increase the dosage, they are most likely to appear again.
Overdosage Effects of Xanax
Once you suspect or know for sure of the xanax overdose, the first thing to do must be to contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately to solve this problem as soon as possible. Symptoms of xanax overdose may include confusion, coma, impaired coordination, sleepiness, and slowed reaction time. Remember that overdose of xanax alone, or after combining it with alcohol, may be fatal.