Why is Alprazolam prescribed?

Xanaxis a tranquilizer used in the short-term relief of symptoms of anxietyor the treatment of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorder is marked byunrealistic worry or excessive fears and concerns. Anxiety associatedwith depression is also responsive to Xanax.

Xanax and theextended-release formulation, Xanax XR, are also used in the treatmentof panic disorder, which appears as unexpected panic attacks and may beaccompanied by a fear of open or public places called agoraphobia. Onlyyour doctor can diagnose panic disorder and best advise you abouttreatment.

Some doctors prescribe Xanax to treat alcoholwithdrawal, fear of open spaces and strangers, depression, irritablebowel syndrome, and premenstrual syndrome.

Most important fact about Alprazolam

Toleranceand dependence can occur with the use of Xanax. You may experiencewithdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using the drug or reduce thedosage too quickly. Withdrawal symptoms are listed under "What sideeffects may occur?" The drug dosage should be gradually reduced andonly your doctor should advise you on how to discontinue or change yourdose.

How should you take Alprazolam?

Xanax may be taken with or without food. Take it exactly as prescribed. Do not chew, crush, or break the Xanax XR tablets.

If you miss a dose: Ifyou are less than 1 hour late, take it as soon as you remember.Otherwise skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Nevertake 2 doses at the same time.

Storage instructions: Store Xanax at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Sideeffects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determineif it is safe for you to continue taking Xanax. Your doctor shouldperiodically reassess the need for Alprazolam.

Side effects ofXanax are usually seen at the beginning of treatment and disappear withcontinued medication. However, if dosage is increased, side effectswill be more likely.

• Side effects of Xanax may include:
  Decreased libido, drowsiness, fatigue, impaired coordination, memory impairment, speech difficulties, weight changes

• Side effects of Xanax XR may include:
  Constipation, decreased libido, depression, drowsiness, fatigue,impaired coordination, memory problems, mental impairment, nausea,sedation, sleepiness, speech difficulties, weight changes

• Side effects due to a rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Xanax or Xanax XR:
  Anxiety, blurred vision, decreased concentration, decreased mentalclarity, depression, diarrhea, headache, heightened awareness of noiseor bright lights, hot flushes, impaired sense of smell, insomnia, lossof appetite, loss of reality, muscle cramps, nervousness, rapidbreathing, seizures, tingling sensation, tremor, twitching, weight loss

Why should Alprazolam not be prescribed?

Ifyou are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Xanax orother tranquilizers, you should not take Alprazolam. Also avoid Xanaxwhile taking the antifungal drugs Sporanox or Nizoral. Make sure thatyour doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.

Do not take Alprazolam if you have been diagnosed with the eye condition called narrow-angle glaucoma.

Anxietyor tension related to everyday stress usually does not requiretreatment with Xanax. Discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your doctor.

Special warnings about Alprazolam

Xanaxmay cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving oroperating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardousactivity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.

Ifyou are being treated for panic disorder, you may need to take a higherdose of Xanax than for anxiety alone. High doses--more than 4milligrams a day--of Alprazolam taken for long intervals may causeemotional and physical dependence. It is important that your doctorsupervise you carefully when you are using Alprazolam.

As withall antianxiety medication, there is a small chance that Xanax couldencourage suicidal thoughts or episodes of euphoria known as mania. Ifyou notice any new or unusual symptoms after starting Xanax, call yourdoctor immediately.

Xanax should be used with caution in elderlyor weak patients, and in those with lung disease, alcoholic liverdisease, or any disorder that could hinder the elimination of the drug.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Alprazolam

Xanax may intensify the effect of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Alprazolam.

Never combine Xanax with Sporanox or Nizoral. These drugs cause a buildup of Xanax in the body.

IfXanax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could beincreased, decreased, or altered. It is important to check with yourdoctor before combining Xanax with the following:

Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Antihistamines such as Benadryl and Tavist
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Certain antibiotics such as Biaxin and erythromycin
Certain antidepressant drugs, including Elavil, Norpramin, and Tofranil
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Ergotamine
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluvoxamine
Grapefruit juice
Isoniazid (Rifamate)
Major tranquilizers such as Mellaril and chlorpromazine
Nefazodone
Nicardipine (Cardene)
Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
Oral contraceptives
Other central nervous system depressants such as Valium and Demerol
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Propoxyphene (Darvon)
Sertraline (Zoloft)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Donot take Alprazolam if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.There is an increased risk of respiratory problems and muscularweakness in your baby. Infants may also experience withdrawal symptoms.Xanax may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. IfAlprazolam is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you tostop breastfeeding until your treatment with Alprazolam is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Anxiety disorder

Theusual starting dose of Xanax is 0.25 to 0.5 milligram taken 3 times aday. The dose may be increased every 3 to 4 days to a maximum dailydose of 4 milligrams, divided into smaller doses.

Panic disorder

Theusual starting dose of regular Xanax is 0.5 milligram 3 times a day.This dose can be increased by 1 milligram a day every 3 or 4 days. Youmay be given a dose from 1 up to a total of 10 milligrams, according toyour needs. The typical dose is 5 to 6 milligrams a day.

Ifyou're taking Xanax XR, the usual starting dose is 0.5 to 1 milligramonce a day taken in the morning. Depending on your response, the dosemay be gradually increased by no more than 1 milligram every 3 or 4days. The usual effective dose is 3 to 6 milligrams a day. Some peoplemay need a larger dose to relieve their symptoms. Others, includingolder adults and those with liver disease or other serious illnesses,may need to use lower doses.

CHILDREN

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children under 18 years of age.

OLDER ADULTS

Theusual starting dose for an anxiety disorder is 0.25 milligram, 2 or 3times daily. The starting dose of Xanax XR is 0.5 milligrams once aday. This dose may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated.

PATIENTS SWITCHING FROM XANAX TO XANAX XR

Ifyou're taking divided doses of Xanax, the doctor will switch you to aonce-daily dose of Xanax XR that equals the current amount you'retaking. If your symptoms return after switching, the dose can beincreased as needed.

Overdosage

An overdose of Xanax,alone or after combining it with alcohol, can be fatal. If you suspectan overdose, seek medical attention immediately.