Generic name: alprazolam [ al-PRAY-zoe-lam ]
Brand names: Xanax, Xanax XR
Drug class: Benzodiazepines
Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD. Last updated on Dec 1, 2021.
What is Xanax?
A benzodiazepine is Xanax (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). Alprazolam is supposed to function by boosting the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Xanax is used to treat depression- and anxiety-related anxiety disorders.
Additionally, Xanax is used to treat panic disorders, whether or not associated with a dread of environments or circumstances that could induce panic, helplessness, or shame (agoraphobia).
Purchasing Xanax online or from sources outside of the US is risky. The Food and Drug Administration’s safe-use guidelines are not followed when selling and distributing medications outside of the United States (FDA). These drugs may not be provided by a pharmacy with a license or they could contain harmful substances.
Warnings
Xanax might cause breathing problems, particularly if you’ve recently used alcohol or an opioid drug.
XANAX MISUSE CAN LEAD TO ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. The drug should be kept out of the reach of others.
Never discontinue using Xanax without consulting a physician. If you stop taking the medication abruptly after long-term usage, you can have withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening. Some withdrawal symptoms might last for up to a year or more.
If you stop taking Xanax and have symptoms like strange muscular movements, increased activity or talkativeness, abrupt and drastic changes in mood or behavior, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures, or suicidal thoughts, get medical attention straight away.
Because it may be misused or create dependency, Xanax is classified as a federally restricted drug (C-IV). To avoid misuse and abuse, store this medication in a secure location. It’s against the law to sell or give this Xanax away since it might hurt other people. If you have misused or been dependant on alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal substances, let your healthcare practitioner know.
Before taking this medicine
Taking Xanax is not advised if:
furthermore take an antifungal medication like itraconazole or ketoconazole;
You previously had an allergic response to any benzodiazepine (including Ativan, Valium, Versed, Klonopin, Lorazepam, and others).
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Xanax is safe for you:
breathing issues
addiction to drink or drugs;
sadness, irritability, or suicidal ideas or actions; or
liver or kidney disease
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use Xanax during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
You should not breastfeed.
If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness or feeding problems in the baby.
Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Xanax?
Exactly as directed by your doctor, take Xanax. Read any drug guidelines or instruction sheets and adhere to the instructions on your prescription label. Never use Xanax in excess of the recommended dosage or for longer than advised. If you have a stronger desire to take more of this medication, let your doctor know.
Never give this medication to someone else, particularly if they have a history of drug misuse or addiction. ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH CAN RESULT FROM MISUSE. The drug should be kept out of the reach of others. It is illegal to sell or give away this medication.
Completely inhale the Xanax XR extended-release pill. Avoid breaking, chewing, or crushing the pill.
If your symptoms do not go away or worsen, contact your doctor right away.
Long-term usage of this medication may need repeated medical examinations.
Never discontinue using Xanax without consulting a physician. If you stop taking the medication abruptly after long-term usage, you can have withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening.
Keep Xanax at room temperature and away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep your medication out of the reach of children and pets.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:
Immediate-release tablets: 0.25 to 0.5 mg orally administered 3 times a day
-Maximum dose: 4 mg/day
Usual Adult Dose for Panic Disorder:
Immediate-release tablets: 0.5 mg orally administered 3 times a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Extended-release tablets:
-Initial dose: 0.5 to 1 mg orally once a day
-Maintenance dose: 3 to 6 mg orally per day, preferably in the morning
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Comments:
-The lowest possible effective dose should be administered and the need for continued treatment reassessed frequently.
-Dosage should be reduced gradually when discontinuing therapy or when decreasing the daily dosage.
-The daily dosage may be decreased by no more than 0.5 mg every 3 days; however, some patients may require an even slower dosage reduction.
-The dose of extended-release tablets may be increased at intervals of 3 to 4 days in increments of no more than 1 mg per day.
-The times of administration should be distributed as evenly as possible throughout the waking hours.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety:
Elderly or debilitated patients:
Immediate-release tablets: 0.25 mg orally administered 2 or 3 times a day.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Panic Disorder:
Elderly or debilitated patients:
Immediate-release tablets:
-Initial dose: 0.25 mg orally administered 2 or 3 times a day
Extended-release tablets:
-Initial dose: 0.5 mg orally once a day
Comments:
-If side effects develop, the dose may be lowered.
-The lowest possible effective dose should be administered and the need for continued treatment reassessed frequently.
-Dosage should be reduced gradually when discontinuing therapy or when decreasing the daily dosage.
Detailed Xanax dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of alprazolam can be fatal if you take it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, slow heartbeats, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking Xanax?
Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Xanax side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic response to Xanax: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, get immediate medical attention.
Alprazolam might cause breathing problems, particularly if you’ve recently used alcohol or an opioid drug. If your breathing is sluggish and pauses are lengthy, if your lips are bluish, or if you are difficult to wake up, someone who is caring for you should call for emergency medical help.
Common side effects of Xanax may include:
- drowsiness; or
- feeling light-headed.
Xanax may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- weak or shallow breathing;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- a seizure;
- hallucinations, risk-taking behavior;
- increased energy, decreased need for sleep;
- racing thoughts, being agitated or talkative;
- double vision; or
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
In elderly persons, fatigue or dizziness may remain longer. Take care to prevent falling or unintentional harm.
If you have any symptoms after stopping Xanax, such as strange muscular movements, increased activity or talkativeness, abrupt and drastic changes in mood or behavior, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures, or suicidal thoughts or deeds, get medical attention immediately away.
After abruptly quitting this medication, certain withdrawal symptoms may last for up to 12 months or more. If you have persistent anxiety, sadness, memory or thinking issues, difficulties sleeping, ringing in the ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation beneath your skin, let your doctor know right away.
There may be other adverse effects; this is not a comprehensive list. For medical advice concerning side effects, contact your doctor. Call 1-800-FDA-1088 to report adverse effects to the FDA.
What other drugs will affect Xanax?
Occasionally, it is dangerous to take certain medications at the same time. Other medications you take may have their blood levels affected by certain medications, which might enhance their negative effects or reduce their efficacy.
Combining Xanax with medications that impede breathing or make you drowsy might result in fatal adverse effects.
Before using an opioid, a sleeping aid, a muscle relaxant, or a prescription for seizures or anxiety, see your doctor.
Alprazolam and several other medications might interact, and certain medications shouldn’t be used concurrently. Inform your doctor of any other medications you use. This includes vitamins, herbal goods, prescription and over-the-counter medications. Not all potential interactions are included in this list.
