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Xanax (alprazolam)

Other names: Aprazolam Intensol

About Xanax | Aprazolam Intensol

Xanax (alprazolam) is an anti-panic and anti-anxiety medication. Xanax is in the group of drugs known as benzodiazepines, a class of antidepressants, anti-panic agents, and muscle relaxants. Xanax is only available by prescription.

Xanax is usually used as a short term treatment for major anxiety and certain phobias, but is not considered necessary to relieve everyday stress or anxiety.

Xanax has been prescribed as a treatment for:

  • Anxiety disorder characterized by unrealistic fears and excessive worries.
  • Panic Disorder, sometimes accompanied by fear of open spaces (agoraphobia).
  • Also for the temporary symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, depression, fear of strangers, irritable bowel, and premenstrual syndrome. Dosage varies.
  • Xanax may be prescribed in low doses to treat fibromyalgia.

Store Xanax away from light and heat, use regularly for best results.

Xanax Side Effects

Xanax side effects are usually temporary, and fade with continued treatment. Higher dosage also increases the risk of side effects. Operating automobiles or heavy machinery is not recommended while taking Xanax. Be aware of how this medication affects you before attempting any potentially dangerous activities.

Common Xanax side effects: drowsiness, fatigue, light-headedness, or speech problems.

Less common Xanax side effects: abdominal cramps, constipation, dry mouth, hyperventilation, blurred vision, nausea, chest pain, change in sex drive, confusion, headache, change in appetite, insomnia, unusual dreams, change in salivation, low blood pressure, racing heartbeat, fainting, nasal congestion, difficulty urinating, sweating, weight change, skin irritation, twitching or tremors, nervous or anxious state, sun sensitivity, respiratory infection, memory impairment, menstrual difficulties, and loss of coordination. Speak to your doctor about any of these effects; your dosage may need to be adjusted or treatment discontinued.

Rare Xanax side effects: difficulty concentrating, slurred or unusual speech, double vision, fear, altered sense of taste, lack of inhibition, muscle cramps or spasms, urination problems, tingling, incontinence, warmth, weakness, change in muscle tone, or yellow eyes and skin. Speak to your doctor if you experience any of these effects; your treatment may need to be discontinued.

Xanax treatment should be discontinued if any of the following occur: hyperexcitement, muscle spasm, anxiety, hallucinations, rage or other hostile behavior, tremors, insomnia, sleeping difficulties or overstimulation.

Cautions: Xanax has been known to interact undesirably with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you have, or have a history of, any of the following conditions:

  • Alcohol or drug abuse - may increase likelihood of Xanax dependence
  • Allergic reaction to Xanax, or other benzodiazepine. Always tell your doctor about any allergies before starting a medication.
  • Borderline personality disorder or a history of violent behavior.
  • Brain disease - may increase likelihood of side effects from Xanax
  • Breathing difficulties such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or any other chronic lung disease - Xanax may worsen this condition.
  • Difficulty swallowing - This condition may become more pronounced in children.
  • Epilepsy or seizures - Abruptly starting or stopping treatment with Xanax may increase seizures. Although Xanax can be used as an aid to anti-tremor therapy, it should be used cautiously and strictly according to a doctor's instructions in these cases.
  • Glaucoma - Xanax should not be prescribed to patients with acute narrow-angle glaucoma. Patients receiving treatment for open angle glaucoma should consult their doctor, as Xanax may be an acceptable treatment for them.
  • Hyperactivity
  • Kidney or liver problems - In isolated cases, Xanax has been reported to cause jaundice. If you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, seek medical treatment immediately. More Xanax may end up in your bloodstream if you have a pre-existing kidney or liver condition, increasing the likelihood of side effects.
  • Major Depression
  • Myasthenia gravis - This autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle weakness may be aggravated by Xanax treatment.
  • Porphyria - Xanax (alprazolam) is listed as an unsafe drug for porphyria, an enzyme deficiency that can cause fragile skin that is sensitive to sunlight, digestive difficulties, anxiety, and reddish-brown urine.
  • Psychosis or other serious mental illness - Xanax has not proved to be an effective treatment for these conditions, and is not recommended.
  • Sleep apnea (temporary suspension of breathing during sleep) - Xanax may worsen this condition. Individuals with sleep apnea should not generally use sedatives as sleep aids. (See Sleep Disorders)

Dependence: Xanax has been known to be habit-forming. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is discontinued abruptly. Follow your doctor's advice about how much, and how often, you should take Xanax. If you are considering stopping Xanax treatment, ask your doctor how to safely decrease and then stop Xanax.

Xanax Interactions

Xanax slows the central nervous system, and should be taken with care with medications that do the same thing. When Xanax is taken with certain other medications, the rate of side effects may increase, and the action of either medication may be increased or altered. Certain medications can cause an undesirable build-up of Xanax in the body. Ask your doctor's advice about combining Xanax with any of the following:

Talk with your doctor if you are considering mixing an antidepressant and anxiety medication like Xanax with any other antidepressant, or any medication that may cause drowsiness. Anxiety medication can have increased, unexpected, or severe side effects when mixed with other medications that affect the central nervous system. Stimulants of any type may blunt the effectiveness of Xanax.

Xanax Dosages

Xanax comes in doses of .25 mg (white oval tablet), .5 mg (pink oval tablet), 1 mg (blue oval tablet), and 2mg (white oblong tablet, scored). The usual starting dose is .25-.5 mg, 3-4 times per day, up to a maximum of 4-6 mg per day, divided among several doses.

Xanax Directions

Xanax should be taken exactly as your doctor recommends. Don't take more or less than prescribed, and don't double your doses if you should miss one. Take your doctor's advice about how quickly or slowly to ease off Xanax treatment if you plan to stop taking it. Xanax should not be started or stopped abruptly, as it strongly increases the likelihood of side effects. If you have a convulsive disorder, or experience severe muscle spasming, abruptly stopping or starting Xanax could increase these effects.

Avoid grapefruit juice while using Xanax, may alter the effectiveness of your treatment.

Symptoms of overdose or severe reaction can include confusion, poor coordination, sleepiness, shuffling walk, persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still, fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe skin rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, irregular heartbeat, or coma. Seek medical treatment immediately if you suspect an overdose, contact emergency services if an individual begins to lose consciousness or stops breathing.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed, making sure that children can't reach it even after disposal.

This medication not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and has not been tested in children. Seniors advised to used the smallest possible dose, and to be alert for undesirable side effects or sign of overdose, as the medication may build to excess in the body.

Xanax is a trademark of Pharmacia & Upjohn

This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. The dosages mentioned are general manufacturers guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. Dosage recommendations for children and seniors may vary significantly from standard dosages, and pregnant women should always speak to their OB/GYN before taking any medication. We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.

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