Xanax (What is Xanax?)

Xanax (alprazolam) belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced. This results in a reduction in nervous tension (anxiety).

Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression.

Xanax may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Xanax

Do not use Xanax if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Do not use Xanax if you are allergic to alprazolam or to other benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).

Before you take Xanax, tell your doctor if you have asthma or other breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, a history of alcoholism, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Xanax. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. Xanax may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person for whom it was prescribed. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Before taking Xanax

It is dangerous to try and purchase Xanax on the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States. Medications distributed from Internet sales may contain dangerous ingredients, or may not be distributed by a licensed pharmacy. Samples of Xanax purchased on the Internet have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a potent antipsychotic drug with dangerous side effects. For more information, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or visit www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide.

You should not take Xanax if you have:

·         narrow-angle glaucoma;

·         if you are also taking itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or

·         if you are allergic to alprazolam or to other benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).

To make sure you can safely take Xanax, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

·         asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;

·         glaucoma;

·         kidney or liver disease (especially alcoholic liver disease);

·         a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or

·         a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

Xanax may be habit forming and should be used only by the person for whom it was prescribed. Never share Xanax with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Xanax if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Xanax may also cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Alprazolam can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using this medicine. The sedative effects of Xanax may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking Xanax. Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Xanax can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, feeling light-headed, and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Xanax?

Do not drink alcohol while taking Xanax. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. Xanax may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Xanax and lead to unwanted side effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor

Xanax side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Xanax: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

·         depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, unusual risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger;

·         confusion, hyperactivity, agitation, hostility, hallucinations;

·         feeling like you might pass out;

·         urinating less than usual or not at all;

·         chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;

·         uncontrolled muscle movements, tremor, seizure (convulsions); or

·         jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious Xanax side effects may include:

·         drowsiness, dizziness, feeling tired or irritable;

·         blurred vision, headache, memory problems, trouble concentrating;

·         sleep problems (insomnia);

·         swelling in your hands or feet;

·         muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination, slurred speech;

·         upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea;

·         increased sweating, dry mouth, stuffy nose; or

·         appetite or weight changes, loss of interest in sex

Paradoxical reactions

Although unusual, the following paradoxical reactions have been shown to occur:

·         Aggression

·         Rage, hostility

·         Twitches and tremor

·         Mania, agitation, hyperactivity and restlessness

Effects of Xanax Abuse

Using Xanax, especially for a prolonged period, can have numerous drug abuse effects on your body. The medication is a central nervous system depressant, so most of the effects have to do with how your mind functions. The most common effects of Xanax use include lack of coordination, slurred speech, confusion and disorientation.

Some people develop memory impairment, which typically only affects the short-term memory, and doctors primarily see mild cases of impairment. Sedation is also a concern for Xanax users. People who take the mediation in large doses might experience severe sedation that can last for three to four days.

Xanax Abuse Treatment

People suffering from Xanax addictions have the option to use inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. It is important that you review what every program has to offer. Then, choose the program that has the best chance of helping you succeed.

Inpatient treatment programs give you a stable and temptation-free environment for your recovery. Centers have around-the-clock care. The medical staff will help you cope with your withdrawal symptoms and may administer medication to make the symptoms subside. A typical day in an inpatient facility could include group therapy sessions, individual therapy sessions and educational lectures.

Outpatient treatment programs give you more freedom, and there are two different options. The daily check-in program requires you to check in with a drug abuse counselor every day, while the day treatment program requires you to be at the center for eight hours each day. Meanwhile, you will be attending therapy sessions and possibly educational lectures about addiction and recovery.