The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to the drug’s prescribing information. As with all antianxiety medication, there is a small chance that Xanax could encourage suicidal thoughts or episodes of euphoria known as mania. If you notice any new or unusual symptoms after starting Xanax, call your doctor immediately. Anxiety or tension related to everyday stress usually does not require treatment with Xanax. Advise patients not to drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery while taking XANAX due to its CNS depressant effects.
5 Interaction With Drugs That Inhibit Metabolism Via Cytochrome P450 3A
- If you have severe breathing problems and take Xanax, your doctor will need to monitor you closely for worsening of this condition.
- XANAX is a federal controlled substance (C-IV) because it can be abused or lead to dependence.
- Many people who take Xanax recreationally, or without a prescription, describe the feeling as sedating or calming.
- If you stop alprazolam suddenly, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may be life-threatening.
- To prevent excessive sleepiness, be sure to take Xanax exactly as your doctor prescribes.
You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies. Remove the orally disintegrating tablet from the bottle just before it is time for your dose. With dry hands, open the bottle, remove the tablet, and immediately place it on your tongue. The tablet will dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva. The orally disintegrating tablet can be taken with or without water.
Anxiety Disorders
Your doctor will typically prescribe it for as short a time as possible. 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.
Both Xanax and alcohol may cause central nervous system (CNS) depression. Yes, it’s safe to take Xanax with acetaminophen (Tylenol). There aren’t any known safety issues with taking Xanax and Tylenol together. Xanax will stay in your system for about 55 hours after your last dose. Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Xanax. Examples of opioids include oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone) and morphine (Kadian, MS Contin).
What Should I Do If I Accidentally Use Too Much Alprazolam?
However, these problems are also possible with lower doses and after taking the drug for a short time. Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug that has a calming and relaxing effect. Doctors usually prescribe it for short periods of time. Xanax is typically used to help ease panic attacks while other treatments for panic disorder, such as antidepressants, take effect. Xanax is approved to treat only generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. However, your doctor might sometimes prescribe Xanax off-label for certain other uses.
Understanding Anxiety
To receive weekly information on mental health, you may want to sign up for the Psych Central newsletter. You’ll find stories directly from other people on their mental health journey as well as the latest information on treatments. If you still have questions about Xanax after reading this article, we recommend that you talk with your medical professional. Together you can decide if Xanax might be a good choice for you. The costs of prescription medications may depend on several factors, such as your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you use.
If you take Xanax with opioids, you should tell your caregiver, people you live with, or people you’re close to that you’re taking these drugs together. If you keep Narcan on hand, you should also let these people know where to find it. If you have questions or concerns about how long the side effects from Xanax may last, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Most of Xanax’s side effects go away when you stop taking the medication. But some, such as liver problems, may last a long time after you stop treatment. Before taking Xanax, tell your doctor if you have liver problems.
In this situation, you might be advised to take a combination of the 1-mg and 2-mg tablets to form 5 mg. In this situation, you might be advised to take three of the 1-mg tablets to form 3 mg. If you’re concerned about dependence when using Xanax, talk with your medical professional. It’s possible to develop physical dependence with Xanax. Dependence means that your body gets used to a drug and needs the drug to feel normal. Xanax may cause serious side effects, but this isn’t common.
Holistic Care
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. Xanax is typically prescribed for short periods of time to relieve anxiety symptoms while other treatments, such as antidepressants, are taking effect.
Difficulty When Tapering Off Of Or Stopping XANAX Use, Especially Those Taking Higher Dosages Over A Longer
The warning alerts doctors and patients to side effects that may be dangerous. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax are included in guidelines for managing panic disorder, but only for short-term treatment to help ease symptoms. The guidelines recommend other options for first-line treatment of this condition. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Xanax, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Alprazolam can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking alprazolam and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. For adults ages 65 years and older, doctors will usually prescribe a lower dose of Xanax to start. Older adults have an increased risk of side effects from this drug. For example, because Xanax can cause trouble with balance and coordination, it can increase the risk of falls and bone fractures in older adults.
- Due to the risk of extreme sleepiness, your doctor may recommend that you avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the combination of Xanax and opioids affects you.
- Observe newborns for signs of sedation and neonatal withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly see Use in Specific Populations (8.1).
- RxList does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
- The half-life of Xanax can be used to figure out how long the drug stays in your body.
It Is Not Known If XANAX Is Safe And Effective In Children
Consequently, patients on alprazolam for extended periods of time should slowly taper the medication under a doctor’s supervision rather than abruptly stopping the medication. This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). This effect may last for a few days after you stop using this medicine. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.
But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. This means the drug is released slowly into your body over a period of time. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.
