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Xanax

Generic name: alprazolam [al-PRAY-zoe-lam]
Names of brands: Xanax, Xanax XR
Drug class: benzodiazepines

What is Xanax?

Xanax is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZ-eh-peen). It is believed that alprazolam is effective by increasing the neurotransmitters that are active within the brain.

Xanax helps treat the symptoms of anxiety and anxiety that are caused by depression.

Xanax can also be employed to help treat anxiety disorders with or without fear of certain situations or places that could cause anxiety or helplessness (agoraphobia).

It's risky to buy Xanax via the Internet or outside of the United States. The distribution and sale of drugs in the U.S. do not comply with the safety-use rules that are enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The medicines may contain dangerous chemicals, or not be available at an approved pharmacy.

Warnings

Xanax can reduce or stop breathing, particularly if you have recently recent use of an opioid or alcohol.

Misuse of XANAX can cause addiction, overdosing, or death. Make sure the medication is stored in a location where other people can't access it.

Do not stop taking Xanax without consulting with your doctor. There is a risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly discontinue using the drug after long-term usage. The withdrawal symptoms can last for 12 months or more.

Get medical assistance immediately when you stop taking Xanax and experience symptoms like strange muscle movements, becoming more talkative or active, or having sudden and extreme changes in your mood or other behaviors like such as hallucinations or seizures or thoughts of suicidal thoughts.

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 place to avoid misuse and abuse. The act of selling or giving away Xanax could cause harm to others and is illegal. Talk to your healthcare professional about whether you've abused or depended on alcohol, prescription drugs, or street drugs.

Before you take this drug

It is not recommended to use Xanax in the following situations:

  • You may also be taking antifungal medicines like itraconazole or ketoconazole.
  • You have an allergy history or a reaction to benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam, Ativan, Versed, Klonopin, and others).

To ensure that Xanax is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you ever take it:

  • Breathing issues;
  • Addiction to alcohol or drugs.
  • Depression, mood issues, suicidal thoughts, behaviors,
  • Kidney or liver diseases

Inform your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to be pregnant. If you're taking Xanax in your pregnancy and your baby is born suffering from withdrawal symptoms which can be life-threatening and need medical care for several weeks.

It is not recommended to breastfeed.

If you breastfeed, consult your physician if you notice any drowsiness or feeding issues in the infant.

It is not permitted to be used by anybody under the age of 18.

How to take Xanax?

Use Xanax exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on your prescription label and review all medication guides and instruction sheets. Do not use Xanax in greater quantities or for a longer period than prescribed. Inform your doctor if you notice an increase in your desire to take this drug.

Do not share this medication with anyone else, particularly one who has an addiction history. In the wrong hands, it could lead to addiction, overdose, or even death. Make sure to keep the medication in a place where others are not able to access it. The sale or distribution of this medication is against the law.

Suck in your Xanax XR extended-release tablet completely. Don't crush, chew, or break the tablet.

Consult your physician if symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.

If you are taking this medication for a long period of time, you could require regular medical examinations.

Don't stop taking Xanax without consulting your physician. There is a possibility of experiencing extreme withdrawal symptoms which could become life-threatening if suddenly stopped taking your medication following extended treatment.

Keep Xanax in a cool, dry place, away from heat, moisture, and light. Store your medication in a location where no one is able to use it in a way that isn't safe.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:

Tablets for immediate release: 0.25 to 0.5 mg orally administered three times per day.
Maximum dose: 4 mg/day

Usual Adult Dose for Panic Disorder:

Tablets for 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 daily, orally.
Maintaining dosage 3–6 mg daily, with a preference for the early morning
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Comments:
The lowest dose that is effective should be administered, and the necessity for continuing treatment should be regularly reassessed.
Dosage reduction should occur slowly when stopping treatment or reducing the daily dose.
The dosage for a day can be decreased by less than 0.5 mg every three days, but some patients might require a lower dosage reduction.
Extended-release tablets can be increased at intervals of 3–4 days in increments of not more than 1 mg each day.
The administration times should be spread as evenly as possible across the daytime hours.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety:

Patients with debilitating or elderly conditions:
Tablets that release immediately: 0.25 mg orally administered at least 2 or 3 times a day.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Panic Disorder:

Patients with debilitating or elderly conditions:
Immediate-release tablets:
Initial dosage: 0.25 mg orally administered three or two times per day.
Extended-release tablets:
Initial dosage: 0.5 mg orally once per day.
Comments:
If there are any side effects, it is possible to have the dosage decreased.
The lowest dose that is effective is recommended, and the necessity for continuing treatment should be evaluated frequently.
Dosage reduction should occur gradually after stopping therapy or when you reduce the dosage per day.

What happens if I miss a dose?

It is important to take your medication promptly. However, do not take your missed dose if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention immediately or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222 for help. A high dose of alprazolam can cause death in the event that you combine it with alcohol, opioid medication, or other substances that induce drowsiness or slow your breathing.

The symptoms of an overdose can include dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, muscle weakness, and loss of stability and coordination. They may also feel lightheaded and have slow heartbeats. They may also experience low or weak breathing as well as fainting or a coma.

What should be avoided 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. Dizziness or drowsiness may cause accidents, falls, or even serious injuries.

Side effects of Xanax

See a doctor immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Xanax, such as hives, breathing problems, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.

Alprazolam can make you sluggish or even stop breathing, especially if you have recent used an opioid drug or drink. Anyone who cares for you needs to seek urgent medical care if you suffer from prolonged breathing, pauses in your breathing, blue-colored lips, or if it is difficult to get up.

Common adverse effects of Xanax could include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Feeling lightheaded.

Xanax may cause serious side effects. Consult your physician immediately. If you suffer from:

  • Breathing that is shallow or weak;
  • Feeling lightheaded, like you're passing out;
  • A seizure;
  • Hallucinations, risk-taking behavior;
  • More energy, less requirement for sleeping;
  • Racing thoughts, being anxious or agitated;
  • Double vision double vision
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

The symptoms of dizziness and drowsiness may be more frequent in older individuals. Take care to avoid falling or sustaining an injury accidentally.

When you have stopped taking Xanax, get medical assistance right away if you notice any of the following symptoms: abnormal muscle movements; becoming more talkative or active; abrupt and drasticshifts in mood, behavior as well as seizures, hallucinations or changes in behavior. suicidal behavior or thoughts.

The withdrawal symptoms of some patients can last for 12 months or more after abruptly discontinuing this medication. Inform your doctor when you experience persistent depression, anxiety, memory issues, thinking problems, sleep problems, hearing ringing in your ear or ears, a burning or prickly sensation, or the feeling of something crawling under your skin.

This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

There are instances when it's not advised to take specific medicines at the same time. Certain medications can alter your blood levels from other medications you take, which could create side effects or render the medication less effective.

The combination of Xanax with other medications that cause you to sleep or cause breathing to slow down could cause serious adverse effects or even the death of a person. Ask your doctor prior to taking opioids such as a sleeping pill, an anti-muscle relaxant, or medication for anxiety or seizures.

A variety of drugs interact with alprazolam, and certain drugs shouldn't be taken simultaneously. Discuss with your physician any other medication you're currently taking. It includes over-the-counter and prescription supplements, vitamins, medications as well as herbal supplements.There are many possible interactions that are not mentioned here.

 

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