If you need help remembering to take your dose of Xanax on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone. For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Xanax, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage of Xanax and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. Instead of increasing your dose to reach an average dosage, they’ll prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
For more information about the risk of Xanax withdrawal and dependence, see the “Xanax and withdrawal and dependence” section. You’ll likely start by taking Xanax 0.25-mg or 0.5-mg tablets three times daily. If you respond well to the drug, your doctor may then increase your dosage slowly. The maximum dosage recommended by the drugmaker is a total of 4 mg daily. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Xanax belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines.
Drug Label Info
You could also download a reminder app on your phone. For additional information about allergic reaction, see the “Allergic reaction” section that follows. This list may not describe all possible side effects.
Interactions With Drugs Or Supplements
This medication may worsen depression and cause thoughts of suicide. This can happen at any time but is more common after first starting treatment and after a change in dose. Talk to your care team right away if you have changes in mood and behavior or thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other. Certain withdrawal symptoms may sometimes last for several weeks or months. There are special rules around prescribing and supplying Schedule IV controlled drugs.
- Do not take alprazolam unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider.
- Commonly used dosages are mentioned below, but always take the dosage your medical professional recommends.
- You’ll likely feel the effects of Xanax for several hours after each dose.
- Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you.
- However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
- The typical starting dosage of Xanax for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg three times per day.
Takes A Dose Greater Than 4 Mg/day For An Extended Period Of Time
Ativan (lorazepam) is sometimes chosen when mental healthcare providers want a slightly steadier effect. This is because lorazepam is absorbed a bit more slowly than Xanax in some people, so its duration in the body can be more predictable. ⁹ Xanax, on the other hand, tends to act faster and leave the system sooner, which makes it useful for short, intense episodes of panic or distress. Xanax breaks down faster than other medications in its class, like Valium.
More Info For This Drug
They can advise you on how to stop drinking or they may suggest treatments other than Xanax. It’s important to talk with your medical professional before taking Xanax. You should discuss your overall health and any medical conditions you may have. Addiction means continuing to take a drug even if it’s causing you harm.
If you take this medication as it’s intended — it’s commonly prescribed to treat anxiety or panic disorders — you may notice symptom relief after your first dose. Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Alprazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. It’s important to talk with your medical professional before you stop Xanax treatment.
The costs of prescription medications may depend on several factors, such as your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you use. These side effects can be dangerous if they occur while you’re driving. Both Xanax and CNS depression may lead to side effects such as lack of coordination and drowsiness.
Label: XANAX- Alprazolam Tablet
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder. Alprazolam tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to store your medicine.
Who Should Not Use Alprazolam?
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. It’s called Xanax XR, and it’s FDA approved to treat only panic disorder.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Misusing alprazolam can lead to serious side effects like coma or death.
Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy does not have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does. For example, you may take it in the morning, after lunch, and in the evening.
Has A History Of Alcohol Or Drug Abuse
The federal government regulates controlled substances because taking them may lead some people to misuse the drugs. Anxiety isn’t just a chemical imbalance, life experiences also affect it, relationships, trauma, and stress. A treatment plan consisting of both medications and therapy takes into account the complexity of all the factors that can contribute to having anxiety. Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical that nerve cells use to communicate with each other) that inhibits activity in the brain. It is believed that excessive activity in the brain may cause anxiety or other psychiatric disorders.
Xanax may cause serious side effects, but this isn’t common. If you do develop serious side effects while taking Xanax, be sure to call your medical professional immediately. For more complete information on possible side effects of Xanax, you can talk with your medical professional or pharmacist. They may also be able to recommend tips on how to help prevent and ease side effects. Most medications may cause side effects that can be serious or mild.
