Xanax: Uses, prescriptions and side effects
Xanax Uses prescriptions and side effects, Xanax is a drug that works by enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
It is used to treat anxiety disorders and anxiety caused by depression.
Xanax is also used to treat panic disorders with or without a fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment (agoraphobia)
Also known as Alprazolam is a fast-acting, potent tranquilizer of moderate duration within the triazolobenzodiazepine group of chemicals called benzodiazepines. It is most commonly used in the management of anxiety disorders, specifically panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Other uses include the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea, together with other treatments. GAD improvement occurs generally within a week. Xanax is generally taken orally (by mouth).
Medical uses of Xanax (Alprazolam)
Alprazolam is mostly used in the management of anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and nausea due to chemotherapy. Alprazolam is indicated for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder with or without agoraphobia in adults.
Panic disorder
Alprazolam is effective in the relief of moderate to severe anxiety and panic attacks. Alprazolam is not recommended in Australia for the treatment of panic disorder because of concerns regarding tolerance, dependence, and abuse. Most evidence shows that the benefits of alprazolam in treating panic disorder last only four to ten weeks. However, people with panic disorder have been treated on an open basis for up to eight months without apparent loss of benefit.
Alprazolam is recommended by the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) for treatment-resistant cases of panic disorder where there is no history of tolerance or dependence.
Anxiety disorders
Anxiety associated with depression is responsive to alprazolam. Clinical studies have shown that the effectiveness is limited to four months for anxiety disorders. However, the research into the antidepressant properties of alprazolam is poor and has only assessed its short-term effects against depression. In one study, some long-term, high-dosage users of alprazolam developed reversible depression.
In the US, alprazolam is FDA-approved for the management of anxiety disorders, a condition corresponding most closely to the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, or the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety.
In the UK, alprazolam is recommended for short-term treatment, from two to four weeks, of severe acute anxiety.
Nausea due to chemotherapy
Alprazolam may be used in combination with other medications for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Caution
Xanax can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.
MISUSE OF XANAX CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
Do not stop using Xanax without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.
Get medical help right away if you stop using Xanax and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.
Xanax is a federally 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 this 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.
Points to note before taking this medicine
You should not take Xanax if:
- you also take antifungal medicine such as itraconazole ketoconazole; or
- you have a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine (alprazolam, lorazepam, diazepam, Ativan, Valium, Versed, Klonopin, and others).
To make sure Xanax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- breathing problems;
- drug or alcohol addiction;
- depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
- kidney or liver disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use Xanax during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms and may need medical treatment for several weeks.
You should not breastfeed.
If you do breastfeed, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness or feeding problems in the baby.
Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Knowing the exact dose to take
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
Xanax Uses prescriptions and side effects
Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety:
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
Overdosing on Xanax
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of alprazolam can be fatal if you take it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, slow heartbeats, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.
What to avoid while taking Xanax
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.
Side effects of Xanax
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Xanax: hives; difficulty 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 or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue-colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up. Cheap Xanax Alprazolam deals
Common side effects of Xanax may include:
- drowsiness; or
- feeling light-headed.
Xanax may cause serious side effects. 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).
Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.
After you stop using Xanax, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.
Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin.
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.
Xanax interaction with other drugs
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines 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, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Many drugs can interact with alprazolam, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. {Drugs.com}{Wikipedia}