Xanax Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Brand names: Xanax

Pronounced: ZAN-ax

Generic name: Alprazolam

Other brand name: Xanax XR

Xanax is a short-acting drug in the benzodiazepine class used to treat anxiety disorders and as an adjunctive treatment for depression. It will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. Xanax tablets contain alprazolam which is a triazolo analog of the 1, 4 benzodiazepine class of central nervous system-active compounds. Alprazolam was invented by Pfizer and is marketed under the trade name xanax . Its patent expired in September 1993. The most common side effect is sedation, but this often decreases or goes away in most people after their bodies get used to the drug. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy. 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. Some doctors prescribe Xanax to treat alcohol withdrawal, fear of open spaces and strangers, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, and premenstrual syndrome. Anxiety associated with depression is also responsive to Xanax.

Xanax Dosage:

• Dosage should be individualized for maximum beneficial effect.
• Over 60 years of age, lower dosage, increased cautiously.
• Maximum dose for anxiety or nervous tension: 4 mg in 24 hours.
• 18 to 60 years of age, 0.25mg to 1.5mg daily.
• Started dose for panic disorder 0.5 mg 3 times daily.
• Maximum dose for panic disorder 10 mg in 24 hours.

Uses of Xanax:

• Xanax is a tranquilizer used in the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety or the treatment of anxiety disorders.
• It is also used to treat panic disorders.
• Xanax may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• It is also used to relieve symptoms of extreme PMS.

Side Effects of Xanax:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Difficulty walking and talking.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Decrease in appetite.
• The appearance of being drunk.
• Unconsciousness.
• Menstrual problems.
• Lack of or decreased coordination.
• A slow heart beat.
• Vivid dreams.
• An allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Hallucinations or severe confusion.

Warnings and precautions before taking Xanax:

• The usual precautions in treating patients with impaired renal, hepatic or pulmonary function should be observed.
• Do not take Alprazolam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Alprazolam may worsen this condition.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release form Xanax XR.
• Do not take other sedatives, benzodiazepines,or sleeping pills with this drug. The combinations could be fatal.
• Do not drink alcohol when taking benzodiazepines. Alcohol can lower blood pressure and decrease your breathing rate to the point of unconsciousness.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you suffer from severe hypoventilation.

Drug Interaction:

Xanax may intensify the effect of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. If Xanax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is important to check with your doctor before combining Xanax with the following:

• Antihistamines such as Benadryl and Tavist
• Oral contraceptives
• Other central nervous system depressants such as Valium and Demerol
• Isoniazid (Rifamate)
• Major tranquilizers such as Mellaril and Thorazine
• Certain antidepressant drugs, including Elavil, Norpramin, and Tofranil
• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Overdose:

• If you are taking xanax and after taking you feel that the overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately.
• Symptoms of an Xanax overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, an appearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness.
• An overdose of Xanax, alone or after combining it with alcohol, can be fatal.
• US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

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