Xanax
Generic Name:
Alprazolam
Brand Names:
Xanax, Niravam
Xanax Description:
Xanax is a medication prescribed to treat patients with anxiety and panic disorders and depression caused by anxiety. Xanax belongs to a group of medications known as benzodiazepines which are psychoactive drugs used to treat anxiety, insomnia, agitation and seizures, among other conditions.
The medication works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the body that affects chemicals in the brain. Xanax targets GABA, causing the chemical to signal the brain, allowing the patient to feel calm and less anxious.
Xanax Uses:
Patients who experience panic attacks or extreme anxiety may take Xanax to treat symptoms of the condition.
Panic attacks can seriously impact a patient’s life and symptoms typically include four or more of the following symptoms:
- Numbness
- Tingling sensation
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Racing heart
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Fear of losing control or going crazy
- Fear of dying
- Unrealistic feelings
- Chills
- Hot flashes
- Trembling
Xanax Interactions:
Prior to beginning treatment with Xanax, inform your doctor of the use of the following medications as dose adjustments or specific recommendations may be made:
- Anti-fungal medications
- Antidepressants
- Seizure medications
- Contraceptive medications
- cimetidine (such as Tagamet)
- diltiazem (such as Cartia, Cardizem, or Tiazac)
- isoniazid (such as IsonaRif, Rifamate)
- propoxyphene (such as Darvon, Darvocet)
Additionally, patients should inform a doctor of the use of sleeping aids or medications that cause sleepiness.
Xanax Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Patients should follow the dosing instructions provided by their doctor as Xanax dosages may be different for different patients. Dosage recommendations may vary according to the condition treated by Xanax.
Anxiety disorders: Patients typically begin by taking .25 to .5 mg of Xanax three times every day. The dose may be increased over time every three to four days to reach 4 mg (maximum). Patients take the drug in two doses.
Panic disorder: Patients taking Xanax for panic disorder typically take more than 4 mg of the drug daily. Dosages may range from 1 mg to 10 mg daily. Follow dosing instructions provided by your doctor.
When ceasing the use of Xanax, gradual reduction of the medication is important to avoid withdrawal and other adverse reactions. Patients are generally advised to decrease doses by no more than .5 mg every three days.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose of Xanax, take the missed dose immediately. If you realize you missed your dose and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose to resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take multiple doses of Xanax.
Overdosing
If a Xanax overdose occurs, seek immediate medical attention as an overdose on Xanax may be fatal. Symptoms of a Xanax overdose include:
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Coma
- Loss of coordination
- Lightheadedness
- Muscle weakness
Xanax FDA Approval:
October 16, 1981
Xanax Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
No recalls or black box warnings exist for Xanax.
Other Warnings:
Patients who are allergic to benzodiazepines should not use Xanax.
Patients with acute narrow glaucoma or those taking ketoconazole or itraconazole anit-fungal medications should refrain from use of Xanax.
Pregnant women should not use Xanax. If you become pregnant while taking Xanax, discontinue use of the medication and consult a doctor immediately.
Sources:
- http://www.xanax.com/
- http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation
/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm152978.htm - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602769
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/generalized-anxiety-disorder/DS00502
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175
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