Xanax

 

Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). It is thought that alprazolam works by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders and anxiety caused by

Xanax is also used to treat panic disorderswith or without a fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment (agoraphobia).

It is dangerous to purchase Xanax on the Internet or outside the United States. The sale and distribution of medicines outside the U.S. does not comply with safe-use regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medications may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy.

Warnings

Xanax may be habit-forming. MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Fatal side effects can occur if you take Xanax with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

Xanax is a federal controlled substance (C-IV) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep this medicine in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Xanax may harm others, and is against the law. Tell your healthcare provider if you have abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or street drugs.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Xanax if:

• you also take itraconazole or ketoconazole (antifungal medicines); or

• you have a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine (alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Tranxene, Valium, Versed, and

To make sure Xanax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems such as COPD(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or sleep apnea (breathing that stops during sleep);

• drug or alcohol addiction;

• depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or

• kidney or liver disease (especially alcoholic liver disease).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Alprazolam may harm an unborn baby. Avoid taking this medicine during the first trimester of pregnancy.

If you use Xanax while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks.

You should not breastfeed while using alprazolam.

Xanax is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Xanax?

Take Xanax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Never use Xanax in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Swallow the extended-release Xanax XR tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Xanax is usually taken for no longer than 4 months to treat anxiety disorder, and for no longer than 10 weeks to treat panic disorder. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Do not stop using Xanax suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.

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.

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.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

What to avoid

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.

Grapefruit may interact with alprazolam and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

Xanax side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Xanax: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Alprazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have weak or shallow breathing, if you are hard to wake up, or if you stop breathing.

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).

The sedative effects of alprazolam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental

Common Xanax side effects may include:

• drowsiness; or

• feeling light-headed.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Xanax?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Taking Xanax with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, prescription cough medicine, or medicine for depression or seizures.

Many drugs can interact with alprazolam. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.