Xanax Information:

Xanax is atranquilizer used in the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety orthe 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 alcohol withdrawal, fear of openspaces and strangers, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, andpremenstrual syndrome.

Tolerance and dependence can occur with the use of Xanax. You mayexperience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using the drug orreduce the dosage too quickly. Withdrawal symptoms are listed under"What side effects may occur?" The drug dosage should be graduallyreduced and only your doctor should advise you on how to discontinue orchange your dose.

How to use 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
If you 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?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change inintensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor candetermine if it is safe for you to continue taking Xanax. Your doctorshould periodically reassess the need for Alprazolam.
Side effects of Xanax are usually seen at the beginning of treatmentand disappear with continued medication. However, if dosage isincreased, side effects will 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.

Aswith all antianxiety medication, there is a small chance that Xanaxcould encourage suicidal thoughts or episodes of euphoria known asmania. If you notice any new or unusual symptoms after starting Xanax,call your doctor immediately.

Xanax should be used withcaution in elderly or weak patients, and in those with lung disease,alcoholic liver disease, or any disorder that could hinder theelimination 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
The usual starting dose of Xanax is 0.25 to 0.5 milligram taken 3 timesa day. The dose may be increased every 3 to 4 days to a maximum dailydose of 4 milligrams, divided into smaller doses.
Panic disorder
The usual starting dose of regular Xanax is 0.5 milligram 3 times aday. This dose can be increased by 1 milligram a day every 3 or 4 days.You may be given a dose from 1 up to a total of 10 milligrams,according to your needs. The typical dose is 5 to 6 milligrams a day.
If you're taking Xanax XR, the usual starting dose is 0.5 to 1milligram once a day taken in the morning. Depending on your response,the dose may be gradually increased by no more than 1 milligram every 3or 4 days. The usual effective dose is 3 to 6 milligrams a day. Somepeople may need a larger dose to relieve their symptoms. Others,including older adults and those with liver disease or other seriousillnesses, may need to use lower doses.

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

OLDER ADULTS
The usual starting dose for an anxiety disorder is 0.25 milligram, 2 or3 times daily. The starting dose of Xanax XR is 0.5 milligrams once aday. This dose may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated.

This article is for informational purposes only. For further instructions on Xanax consult with your doctor.