Medications used for this long-term treatment can include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft). Before you take Xanax, be sure to tell your medical professional about any other drugs you take. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medication.
General Health
Your doctor may prescribe Xanax with other drugs for generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. Panic disorder is a common mental health condition that can affect your daily life and impact your relationships with others. It’s typically used to help ease the symptoms of anxiety while other treatments for GAD, such as antidepressants, are taking effect. To help lower your risk of withdrawal symptoms, your doctor will gradually reduce your dose when you stop taking Xanax.
Some people may have the following symptoms of a withdrawal reaction that can last for several weeks to more than 12 months. While less common, the most serious side effects of alprazolam are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Instead of immediate release Xanax tablets of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg tablets, extended release Xanax XR tablets of 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg and 3mg can be used as well. Xanax is a benzodiazepine, so it may cause psychological addiction to this antianxiety agent.
Alternatives For Generalized Anxiety Disorder
It’s also important to mention any herbs, supplements, and vitamins you may use. Your medical professional or pharmacist can tell you about possible interactions these substances may have with Xanax. They’ll ultimately prescribe the lowest dosage of Xanax that you need to relieve your anxiety symptoms. Before starting Xanax treatment, tell your medical professional about all medications you take. If they recommend that you take an opioid while using Xanax, they will discuss the risks with you.
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. Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat anxiety and panic attacks.
If you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health, Xanax may not be the right choice for you. Before you take Xanax, discuss your health history with your medical professional. Keep in mind that we haven’t listed all types of drugs that may interact with Xanax.
Xanax Dosages
Instruct patients that discontinuation or dosage reduction of XANAX may require a slow taper see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3). Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioids alone. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of XANAX than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid is initiated in a patient already taking XANAX, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of this drug or any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first. Alprazolam is a member of the benzodiazepine family, which are sedatives that cause dose-related depression of the central nervous system.
- Before taking Xanax, talk with your doctor and pharmacist.
- This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug.
- For the same reason, patients should be cautioned about the concomitant use of alcohol and other CNS depressant drugs during treatment with XANAX see Drug Interactions (7.1).
- The highest dose reported by the drugmaker is a total of 10 mg daily, but it’s uncommon to take such a high dose.
- If you’d like to learn about Xanax XR, talk with your medical professional or pharmacist.
To Receive All DailyMed Updates For The Last Seven Days
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.
6 Dosage Modifications For Drug Interactions
Xanax can cause similar side effects in older and younger adults. However, older adults (ages 65 years or older) may have a higher risk of side effects with Xanax. This is because older adults don’t clear the drug from their bodies as well as other adults. The drug may reach higher levels in older adults, which increases the risk of side effects. In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
How Does Xanax Compare With Ativan And Other Drugs?
{Xanax and buspirone may be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. To treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults, the typical starting dosage of Xanax is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg, three times per day. 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. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Xanax. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Xanax’s prescribing information.}
