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Xanax (Generic Name: alprazolam (al PRAH zoe lam))
Brand Names: Xanax, Xanax XR.
Xanax is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Xanax
is an anti anxiety agent. Xanax is used primarily for short-term
relief of mild to moderate anxiety and nervous tension. Xanax
is also effective in the treatment of activity depression
or panic attacks. It can be useful in treating irritable bowel
syndrome and anxiety due to a neurosis as well. Xanax may
help the symptoms of PMS if extreme, and some cancers pains
if given with various narcotics. Xanax is used to relieve
anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety
disorders. agoraphobia, essential tremor,and ringing ears.
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Xanax Medication Summary
Generic Name; Alprazolam
What are Xanax tablets?
ALPRAZOLAM (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to
a group of medicines that slow down the central nervous system.
Alprazolam relieves anxiety and nervousness and helps to treat panic
attacks. Federal law prohibits the transfer of alprazolam to any
person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not
share Xanax with anyone else. Generic alprazolam tablets
are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take Xanax?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
alcohol or drug abuse problems
bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health conditions
glaucoma
kidney disease
liver disease
lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties
myasthenia gravis
Parkinson's disease
porphyria
seizures or a history of seizures
shortness of breath
snoring
suicidal thoughts
an unusual or allergic reaction to alprazolam, other benzodiazepines,
foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I take Xanax?
Take alprazolam tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription
label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If alprazolam
upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses
at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than
directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding
the use of Xanax in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost
time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double
or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with Xanax?
Do not take Xanax with any of the following:
alcohol
grapefruit juice
ketoconazole
itraconazole
some medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
Alprazolam may also interact with the following medications:
bosentan
caffeine
cimetidine
cyclosporine
disulfiram
ergotamine
female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
herbal or dietary supplements such as kava kava, melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone,
DHEA, St. John's Wort or valerian
imatinib, STI-571
isoniazid
levodopa
medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam, lorazepam
or triazolam
medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances
medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, voriconazole)
mifepristone, RU-486
prescription pain medicines
probenecid
rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin
some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin)
some medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies
some medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems (amiodarone,
digoxin, diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil)
some medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital,
phenytoin, primidone)
theophylline
troglitazone
zafirlukast
zileuton
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other
medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines,
nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber
or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks
with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs.
These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health
care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking Xanax?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health
care professional as soon as possible:
confusion, forgetfulness
depression
difficulty passing urine
difficulty sleeping
difficulty speaking
lightheadedness or fainting spells
mood changes, excitability or aggressive behavior
muscle cramps
staggering or jerky movements, tremors
weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report
to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue
or are bothersome):
constipation or diarrhea
drowsiness, dizziness
dry mouth, decrease or increase in amount of saliva
increase or decrease in appetite
menstrual changes
sexual dysfunction
weight changes
What should I watch for while taking Xanax?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks
on your progress. Your body can become dependent on Xanax,
ask your prescriber or health care professional if you still need
to take it. However, if you have been taking Xanax regularly
for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually
reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your prescriber
or health care professional for advice. Even after you stop taking
alprazolam it can still affect your body for several days.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs mental alertness until you know how Xanax
affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do
not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.
Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking
your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients
can increase possible side effects.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health
care professional that you are taking Xanax.
Where can I keep Xanax?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children
cannot open.
Store Xanax at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86
degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration
date.
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