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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-AZE-eh-peen). It is believed that alprazolam helps by increasing the neurotransmitters active within the brain.

Xanax can be used for treating the symptoms of anxiety and anxiety that are caused due to depression.

Xanax can also be utilized to manage anxiety disorders not accompanied by a fear of situations and places that could trigger panic or helplessness (agoraphobia).

It's risky to buy Xanax via the Internet or outside of the United States. The distribution and sale of medications in the U.S. do not comply with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety-use rules. The medicines may contain harmful substances or not be sold through an accredited pharmacy.

Recommendations

Xanax can cause breathing problems or even stop you from breathing, mainly if you have recently used an opioid or alcohol.

MISUSE OF XANAX CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Ensure the medication is stored in a location where other people cannot 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 a long-term usage. Specific withdrawal symptoms can last for 12 months or more.

Get medical assistance immediately If you stop taking Xanax and are experiencing symptoms that include: strange muscle movements, being more energetic or talkative abrupt and drastic changes in behavior or mood or mood, hallucinations, seizures, and thoughts of suicide.

Xanax is a federally controlled substance (C-IV) because it could 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. Tell your healthcare professional that you've had a problem with addiction or abuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, and street drugs.

Prior to Use Xanax

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

  • Additionally, you can take antifungal medications like itraconazole or ketoconazole, as well as
  • You have an allergy history or a reaction to benzodiazepine (alprazolam diazepam , Ativan, Valium, Versed, Klonopin, and others).

To ensure that Xanax is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you previously had:

  • Breathing issues;
  • Addiction to alcohol or drugs;
  • Depression mood issues, suicidal thoughts, suicidal behaviors or
  • Liver or kidney disease.

Inform your doctor whether you are expecting or are 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 could require medical treatment for a period of time.

It is not recommended to breastfeed.

If you breastfeed, consult your physician if you notice any drowsiness or problems with feeding your infant.

They are not recommended for use by anyone less than 18 years of age.

How to Take Xanax?

It would help if you took Xanax precisely as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on your prescription label and go through the entire medication guide or instruction sheets. Don't use Xanax in more significant amounts or for a more extended period than prescribed. Inform your doctor if you have a strong urge to take this drug.

Do not share this medication with anyone else, particularly those with a substance addiction or abuse history. It could lead to addiction, overdose, or even death in the wrong hands. Place the medicine at a location where others cannot access it. The selling or distribution of the medicine is against the law.

Suck and swallow the Xanax XR extended-release tablet completely. Do not chew, crush or break the tablet.

Contact your physician if your symptoms do not improve or if symptoms become worse.

If you take this medication over a long period, you could require regular medical examinations.

Don't stop taking Xanax without consulting your physician. There is a risk of developing severe withdrawal symptoms that could be life-threatening if you abruptly stop taking the medication after prolonged use.

Keep Xanax within the room at a temperature and away from heat, humidity, and light. Place your medication in a location where no one can misuse it.

Details on Dosage:

Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety:

Tablets that release immediately: 0.25 to 0.5 mg taken orally 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 every day, taken orally.

Maintaining a dosage of 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, with the requirement for ongoing treatment should be evaluated frequently.

Dosage should be decreased slowly when stopping treatment or reducing the daily dosage.

The daily dose can be reduced by less than 0.5 mg every three days, but some patients may require a less drastic reduction in dosage.

Extended-release tablets can be increased in 3-4 days intervals in increments not greater than 1 mg per day.

The administration times should be spread as evenly as feasible throughout the working hours.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety:

Debilitated or elderly patients:

Tablets that release immediately: 0.25 mg orally administered three or twice daily.

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, it is possible to have the dosage decreased.

The lowest effective dose should be administered, with the necessity for continuing treatment should be evaluated frequently.

Dosage should be decreased gradually after stopping therapy or when reducing daily dosage.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as possible, but avoid any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention immediately or contact for help at the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222. A high dose of alprazolam can cause death if you combine it with alcohol, opioid medications, or other substances that result in drowsiness or slow breathing.

Overdose symptoms can include extremely blurred speech muscles weakening and inability to stabilize and coordinate. They may also feel lightheaded or sluggish heartbeats, shallow breathing, and fainting. It can also be a sign of an induced coma.

Avoid this

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or even death could happen.

Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand the effects of this medication on you. Dizziness or drowsiness may cause accidents, falls, or even severe injuries.

Side Effects of Xanax

See a doctor immediately if you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy reaction. Xanax: hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.

Alprazolam may slow or even stop your breathing, especially if you've recently taken an opioid drug or alcohol. Someone caring for you should seek immediate medical care if you suffer from slow breathing, with pauses for long periods and blue lips, or if you find it challenging to get up.

Common adverse effects of Xanax can include:

  • Drowsiness or
  • Feeling lightheaded.

Xanax may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately If you suffer from the following:

  • Breath that is weak or shallow;
  • A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you've passed 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 persist for longer for older people. Be careful to stay away from falls or sustaining an injury accidentally.

After stopping Xanax, get medical assistance immediately if you are experiencing symptoms like strange muscle movements, feeling more talkative or active, or experiencing sudden and extreme changes in your mood or behavior or mood, hallucinations or seizures, suicidal thoughts, or behaviors.

After abruptly stopping the medication, specific withdrawal symptoms can last 12 months or more. Consult your physician whether you are suffering from persistent depression, anxiety, memory problems, thinking, difficulty sleeping, hearing ringing in your ears or ears, a burning or prickly sensation, or a creeping sensation in your skin.

This isn't a complete list of all side effects. Others could happen. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Taking certain medications in conjunction with other medications is sometimes not recommended. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels of other medications you are taking, which can cause more side effects or make the medication less effective.

 

DRUG STATUS

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Prescription only

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