Do not use Xanax for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Xanax to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Xanax that is written for health professionals. Xanax is in a category of drugs called benzodiazepines.
General Health
XANAX contains alprazolam, which is a Schedule IV controlled substance. Episodes of hypomania and mania have been reported in association with the use of XANAX in patients with depression see Adverse Reactions (6.2). Reduced the dosage by no more than 0.5 mg every 3 days. Some patients may benefit from an even more gradual discontinuation. Some patients may prove resistant to all discontinuation regimens.
This goes for everyone, from first-time users all the way up to people who’ve used Xanax for many months or years as prescribed by their doctor. You shouldn’t take a higher dose than what’s prescribed by your doctor. Speak with your doctor or a pharmacist about all the medications you’re currently taking to ensure that they won’t interact.
Addiction, Abuse, And Misuse
- For information on other mild side effects of the drug, we suggest that you talk with your medical professional or pharmacist.
- Subsequently decrease the dosage more slowly see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3).
- The warning alerts doctors and patients to side effects that may be dangerous.
- Do not change your dose or stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor.
- However, these symptoms can also affect anyone who stops taking Xanax.
- XANAX may produce physical dependence from continued therapy.
These side effects can be dangerous if they occur while you’re driving. If you drink alcohol, talk with your medical professional. They can advise you on how to stop drinking or they may suggest treatments other than Xanax. Both Xanax and CNS depression may lead to side effects such as lack of coordination and drowsiness. So your risk for these side effects is higher than usual if you drink alcohol while taking Xanax. It’s important to talk with your medical professional before taking Xanax.
Tell Your Healthcare Provider Right Away If You Become Pregnant Or Think You Are Pregnant During Treatment With XANAX
You may wonder how Xanax compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar purposes, such as Valium. If you drink alcohol, it’s best to avoid drinking it while taking Xanax. Alcohol and Xanax can reduce the activity of your central nervous system (CNS).
What Are Warnings And Precautions For Alprazolam (Xanax)?
- Some drugs affect liver function so much that they’re not safe to take with Xanax at all.
- Whether by providing reliable resources or helping you connect with the right therapist, you are always welcome as a valued member of our community.
- It may not be safe to use Xanax while you’re pregnant.
- In patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency, it is important to control the doses to avoid any accumulation of the drug in the body and, therefore, adverse effects.
- Many of the sites that claim to sell XANAX online are actually selling potentially dangerous counterfeits.
It is important to take this medication as directed by your care team. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. If you’re wondering how to pay for Xanax, talk with your medical professional or pharmacist. You may also want to visit the website of the Xanax manufacturer to see if support options are available.
Inform patients that in some cases, patients taking benzodiazepines have developed a protracted withdrawal syndrome with withdrawal symptoms lasting weeks to more than 12 months. Instruct patients that discontinuation or dosage reduction of XANAX may require a slow taper see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3). Published data from observational studies on the use of benzodiazepines during pregnancy do not report a clear association with benzodiazepines and major birth defects. Although early studies reported an increased risk of congenital malformations with diazepam and chlordiazepoxide, there was no consistent pattern noted. At this time, there is no clear evidence that alprazolam exposure in early pregnancy can cause major birth defects. Neonates exposed to benzodiazepines during the late third trimester of pregnancy or during labor have been reported to exhibit sedation and neonatal withdrawal symptoms.
Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Xanax. Your doctor should periodically reassess the need for this drug. Some doctors prescribe Xanax to treat alcohol withdrawal, fear of open spaces and strangers, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, and premenstrual syndrome. Advise patients not to drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery while taking XANAX due to its CNS depressant effects. Also advise patients to avoid use of alcohol or other CNS depressants while taking XANAX see Warnings and Precautions (5.3). Most of the interactions that have been documented with alprazolam are with drugs that modulate CYP3A4 activity.
This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication. How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.
Panic Disorder And Agoraphobia
Withdrawal symptoms can be minimized or even avoided altogether by decreasing the Xanax dose gradually. Tolerance to XANAX may develop from continued therapy. Tolerance to the therapeutic effect of XANAX may develop; however, little tolerance develops to the amnestic reactions and other cognitive impairments caused by benzodiazepines. XANAX-treated geriatric patients had higher plasma concentrations of alprazolam (due to reduced clearance) compared to younger adult patients receiving the same doses.
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The starting dose of Xanax XR is 0.5 milligrams once a day. This dose may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of all medicines they take, including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins and herbal supplements see Drug Interactions (7). These lesions did not appear until after 11 months of treatment. To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue XANAX or reduce the dosage see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Warnings and Precautions (5.3). Limited data from published literature reports the presence of alprazolam in human breast milk.
Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine. The usual starting dose of Xanax is 0.25 to 0.5 milligram taken 3 times a day. The dose may be increased every 3 to 4 days to a maximum daily dose of 4 milligrams, divided into smaller doses.
Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Xanax is typically used for short-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Your medical professional may recommend combining Xanax with long-term treatment to further manage your anxiety.
Why Is Xanax Prescribed?
However, if dosage is increased, side effects will be more likely. Find out why Xanax is prescribed, side effects of Xanax, Xanax warnings, effects of Xanax during pregnancy, more – in plain English. For the same reason, patients should be cautioned about the concomitant use of alcohol and other CNS depressant drugs during treatment with XANAX see Drug Interactions (7.1).
See Full Prescribing Information For Complete Boxed Warning
People 65 years and older may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Both Xanax and alcohol may cause central nervous system (CNS) depression. Yes, it’s safe to take Xanax with acetaminophen (Tylenol). There aren’t any known safety issues with taking Xanax and Tylenol together. Xanax will stay in your system for about 55 hours after your last dose.
