Xanax

Pronunciation: al-PRA-zoe-lam
Generic Name: Alprazolam
Brand Name: Xanax

Xanax is used for:

Treating anxiety and panic disorder. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine. It works in the brain to decrease anxiety.

Do NOT use Xanax if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Xanax or other benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam)


• you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma


• you are taking delavirdine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or sodium oxybate (GHB)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

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Treatments for depression are getting better everyday and there are things you can start doing right away.

Before using Xanax:

Some medical conditions may interact with Xanax. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are able to become pregnant


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have a history of seizures, glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye, kidney or liver problems, lung or breathing problems (eg, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], sleep apnea), myasthenia gravis, or a blood disorder known as porphyria


• if you have a history of other mental or mood problems (eg, depression), alcohol or other substance abuse or dependence, or suicidal thoughts or actions


• if you are in poor health, are very overweight, or are experiencing abnormal muscle movements


• if you drink alcoholic beverages or you smoke

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Xanax. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Methadone because it may increase the risk of serious and sometimes fatal breathing problems


• Amiodarone, azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole), cimetidine, cyclosporine, delavirdine, diltiazem, ergot alkaloids (eg, ergotamine), fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, isoniazid, macrolide antibiotics (eg, clarithromycin, erythromycin), nefazodone, nicardipine, nifedipine, omeprazole, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), paroxetine, propoxyphene, protease inhibitors (eg, boceprevir, ritonavir), sodium oxybate (GHB), telithromycin, or valproic acid because they may increase the risk of Xanax's side effects


• Carbamazepine, rifamycins (eg, rifampin), or St. John's wort because they may decrease Xanax's effectiveness


• Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased and they may decrease Xanax's effectiveness


• Clozapine or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, desipramine, imipramine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Xanax

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Xanax may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Xanax:

Use Xanax as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Xanax may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.


• If you are taking Xanax regularly, do not suddenly stop taking it without checking with your doctor. You may have an increased risk of side effects, including seizure. If you need to stop Xanax, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.


• Check with your doctor before eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you use Xanax.


• If you miss a dose of Xanax and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Xanax.

Important safety information:

• Xanax may cause drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Xanax. Using Xanax alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.


• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Xanax.


• Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Xanax; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.


• Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.


• Smoking may decrease Xanax's effectiveness. Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you have recently stopped smoking.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Xanax before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• Use Xanax with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially decreased coordination and drowsiness.


• Xanax should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Xanax may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Xanax during pregnancy. Xanax is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Xanax.

When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Xanax may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. This is known as TOLERANCE. Talk with your doctor if Xanax stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed.

Some people who use Xanax may develop a need to continue taking it. People who take higher doses (eg, some patients with panic disorder) or use Xanax for a long time have a greater risk. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction. If you stop taking Xanax suddenly, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms. These may include blurred vision; burning, numbness, or tingling; changes in smell or other senses; decreased appetite; decreased awareness of your surroundings; decreased concentration; diarrhea; muscle cramps or twitches; seizures; or weight loss.

Possible side effects of Xanax:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Changes in appetite; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; light-headedness; nausea; tiredness; weight changes.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); behavior changes; blurred vision; burning, numbness, or tingling; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; decreased urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; loss of balance or muscle control; memory or attention problems; menstrual changes; muscle twitching; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, depression, irritability, anxiety; exaggerated feeling of wellbeing); overstimulation; red, swollen blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, or light-headedness; shortness of breath or trouble breathing; suicidal thoughts or actions; tremor; trouble speaking; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Xanax side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; loss of consciousness; loss of coordination; severe drowsiness or deep sleep; slow reflexes.

Proper storage of Xanax:

Store Xanax at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Xanax out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Xanax, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Xanax is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Xanax. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Xanax resources

• Xanax Side Effects (in more detail)
• Xanax Dosage
• Xanax Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Xanax Drug Interactions
• Xanax Support Group
• 262 Reviews for Xanax - Add your own review/rating

• Xanax Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Xanax Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Xanax Consumer Overview


• Alprazolam Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Alprazolam Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Alprazolam Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Niravam Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Xanax XR Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Xanax XR Consumer Overview

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