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Xanax XR

Generic name: Alprazolam [ al-PRAY-zoe-lam ]

The brand names are: Niravam, Xanax, Xanax XR

Drug class: Benzodiazepines

What is Xanax XR?

Xanax XR is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Alprazolam alters the chemical balance in the brain, which could cause it to become imbalanced and trigger anxiety.

Xanax XR is used to manage panic disorders, anxiety disorders, and anxiety caused by depression.

Xanax XR may also be used for different purposes not mentioned in this guide.

Warnings

Don't use Xanax XR if you are allergic to alprazolam or other benzodiazepines such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and Clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium) and Lorazepam (Ativan) or the oxazepam (Serax). This medication could result in congenital disability problems for babies who are not born. Avoid using Xanax XR if you are expecting it.

Before you take Xanax XR, tell your doctor if there are any breathing issues, glaucoma, liver or kidney diseases, or any previous history of suicidal ideas, depression, or drinking or using drugs.

Avoid drinking alcohol while using Xanax XR. The medication may increase its effects when paired with alcohol. Xanax XR can cause dependence and should only be used by the person who it was prescribed to. Xanax XR is not to be shared with anyone or someone with a history of addiction or abuse. Make sure the medication is kept in a safe place that is secure and where other people cannot access it.

Prior to Use Xanax XR

Don't use Xanax XR if you have:

  • Narrow-angle glaucoma;
  • If you're using itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral) or
  • If you're allergic to alprazolam or other benzodiazepines like chlordiazepoxide (Librium) or Clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).

Before you take Xanax XR, tell your doctor if you have an allergy to any drug or:

  • Asthma, emphysema or asthma, bronchitis disorder (COPD), or any other breathing disorders;
  • Glaucoma;
  • Kidney or liver illness (especially alcohol-related liver diseases);
  • An underlying history of depression or suicidal or suicidal behavior or
  • A history of addiction to drugs or alcohol dependence.

If you suffer from any of these problems, you might require a dose adjustment or other tests to ensure you can use this medication.

It's dangerous to try and buy Xanax XR on the Internet or from sellers outside the United States. Drugs sold via the Internet may have dangerous substances or might not be sold through an authorized pharmacy. Alprazolam samples purchased online have been discovered to be contaminated with haloperidol (Haldol), an extremely potent antipsychotic drug that can cause harmful adverse effects. For more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide

FDA pregnancy classification D. Xanax XR can cause congenital disabilities in a baby who is not yet born. Do not take Xanax XR without your doctor's permission if you're expecting. Inform your doctor if you get pregnant while taking treatment. Utilize a reliable method of birth control when you're taking this medication. Alprazolam could be absorbed into breast milk and can cause harm to a nursing infant. Avoid using Xanax XR without telling your physician if you are breastfeeding your baby.

The effects of sedation from Xanax XR may last longer for older adults. Falls that result in injury are typical among older patients taking benzodiazepines. Be cautious to avoid injuries or falls when you take Xanax XR. Do not give this drug to anyone younger than 18 years of age.

How to Take Xanax XR?

It is essential to take Xanax XR exactly how it was prescribed. Do not take the medicine in large amounts or longer than your physician prescribes. Follow the instructions on the prescription label.

Your doctor might alter the dosage to ensure you receive the most effective results from this medicine.

Xanax XR can be habit-forming and should be taken only by the individual it was prescribed to. Xanax XR should not be shared with anyone else, particularly if they have a substance abuse or addiction history. Store the medication in a safe place that is secure and where nobody else can get it. Don't crush, chew or break Xanax extended-release tablet. Suck the tablet completely. It's specially designed to slowly release alprazolam into the body. The tablet can be broken, which could result in too much alprazolam to be released simultaneously.

Consult your physician if this medication appears to have stopped working for treating your anxiety or panic attacks.

The symptoms could return after you stop taking Xanax XR and using it for a prolonged period. You may have seizures or withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Xanax XR.

Some withdrawal symptoms include blurred vision, trouble concentrating, loss of appetite and muscle twitching, diarrhea or tingling, or increased sensations.

Don't stop taking Xanax XR suddenly without first speaking with your physician. You might need to use smaller amounts of the drug before stopping the medication.

To ensure that this medication assists your condition, the doctor must regularly monitor your progress. Make sure you don't skip the scheduled appointments with your doctor.

Keep Xanax XR at room temperature, far from heat, moisture, and light. Remove any cotton from the tablet's bottle to prevent them from disintegrating, and tightly shut the bottle.

Make a note of the number of pills that have been consumed in each bottle of this medication. Benzodiazepines are a drug of abuse, and you must be aware if anyone in your family is taking the medication improperly or without having a prescription.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Do not miss the missed dose as quickly as you can remember. If it's getting close to taking your next dose, take a break from the missed dose and begin taking your medication at the next scheduled appointment. Don't take additional medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention immediately If you suspect you've consumed too much medication. A dose of Xanax XR can be fatal.

The symptoms of an overdose can include severe fatigue, drowsiness, mental weakness and loss of balance coordination, feeling lightheaded, fainting, and even coma.

Avoid this

Avoid drinking alcohol while using Xanax XR. This medication can enhance its effects when you drink alcohol. Xanax XR could cause adverse effects that affect your ability to think or react. Be aware of this if you are driving or do any other activity that requires you to stay alert and awake.

Grapefruit juice and grapefruit may be in contact in conjunction with Xanax XR and lead to potential dangers. Discuss the benefits of using grapefruit products with your physician. Don't increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit-based products you consume without consulting your physician.

Side Effects of Xanax XR

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you notice any of these symptoms, warn of an allergic reaction with Xanax symptoms: hives, breathing difficulty, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat. Contact your doctor immediately when you notice any of the following serious side effects:

  • Uncommon risk-taking behavior reduced inhibitions without fear of danger;
  • Depression, thoughts of suicide, depressed mood, self-harm;
  • Hyperactivity, agitation, hostility, hallucinations;
  • Feeling faint, and lightheaded;
  • Seizure (convulsions);
  • The frequency of urination is lower than usual, or even not urinating at all
  • Muscles trembling, shaking or
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).

Less severe Xanax XR side effects may include:

  • Drowsiness, dizziness, feeling irritable;
  • Amnesia or forgetfulness, difficulty concentration;
  • Sleep problems (insomnia);
  • Weakness in muscles, lack of coordination or balance, speech slurred;
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea, vomiting, constipation, appetite, or weight changes;
  • Dry or watery lips, more sweating, or
  • Loss of interest in sexual sex.

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Before taking Xanax XR, tell your doctor if you frequently use other medications that cause you to be sleepy (such as allergy or cold medication, narcotic pain medicines, sleep pills, sleeping pills or muscle relaxers, as well as medication for seizures, depression as well as anxiety). They may contribute to the sleepiness that Xanax XR causes.

Before you take Xanax XR, tell your doctor that you are taking any of these drugs:

  • Birth control pills
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet);
  • Diltiazem (Tiazac, Cartia, Cardizem);
  • Isoniazid (IsonaRif, Rifamate);
  • Propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet);
  • Seizure medication;
  • Antifungal medicine like fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral) or
  • Antidepressants, such as fluvoxamine (Luvox) desipramine (Norpramin) as well as imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil).

The list below is not exhaustive, and there could be additional medications that are incompatible together with Xanax XR. additional medications could be incompatibledicine you take. This includes minerals, vitamins, as well as herbal products, and medicines prescribed by other doctors. Do not begin taking the new drug without consulting your physician.