About

Generic name: Alprazolam
Brand names: Xanax XR, Xanax

Xanax is a tranquilizer used in the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety or the treatment of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorder is marked by unrealistic worry or excessive fears and concerns. Anxiety associated with depression is also responsive to Xanax. Xanax and the extended-release formulation, Xanax XR, are also used in the treatment of panic disorder, which appears as unexpected panic attacks and may be accompanied by a fear of open or public places called agoraphobia. Only your doctor can diagnose panic disorder and best advise you about treatment.

How to take

Xanax may be taken with or without food. Take it exactly as prescribed.

Missed dose

If you are less than 1 hour late, take it as soon as you remember. Otherwise skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Warnings and precautions

DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking this medicine for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of other medicines and alcohol. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines can cause drowsiness. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. Alprazolam is not to be taken if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. The medicine may even worsen this condition. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have such health problems as: kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease, or if you are depressed or have suicidal thoughts. Never take this medication without talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 65 years old, you are more likely to experience side effects of alprazolam. Maybe you require a lower dose of alprazolam. Alprazolam is not approved for use by people under 18 years of age.

Side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Xanax. Your doctor should periodically reassess the need for Xanax. Side effects of Xanax are usually seen at the beginning of treatment and disappear with continued medication. However, if dosage is increased, side effects will be more likely.
* Side effects of Xanax may include: Decreased libido, drowsiness, fatigue, impaired coordination, memory impairment, speech difficulties, weight changes.
* Side effects of Xanax XR may include: Constipation, decreased libido, depression, drowsiness, fatigue, impaired coordination, memory problems, mental impairment, nausea, sedation, sleepiness, speech difficulties, weight changes.
* Side effects due to a rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Xanax or Xanax XR: 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.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.