| Medication: | Generic Xanax (Alprazolam) |
| Tablet Strength: | 1 mg |
| Price: | from $2.46 |
| Where to Buy | Get Started |
Xanax – Potent Drug for Treating Anxiety Disorders
Xanax is a prescription medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It works by improving the activity of nerve cells in the human brain. After the use of a proper dose, Xanax gives relaxation sensations, thus revealing anxiety and balancing stress levels. According to the clinical trials, the preparation improves the life rhythms of the patients.
Xanax is also used to quickly induce alcohol addiction, which requires increasing the dose to get the necessary effect. However, it may result in withdrawal symptoms if the patient immediately stops the treatment.
Xanax: Main Effects and Indications
The main constituent of the preparation is alprazolam. Its therapeutic effects include:
- sedative;
- soothing;
- anti-anxiety (anxiolytic);
- hypnotic;
- muscle relaxant (anticonvulsant).
This spectrum of therapeutic activity determines the main indications for its use:
- anxiety disorders of a different nature, including generalized anxiety disorder;
- neuroses;
- panic attacks;
- sleep disorders;
- tremor due to age-related reasons or other diseases;
- depression (simultaneous use with antidepressants is allowed).
Xanax is often prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment for drug addiction and alcoholism. Moreover, it is recommended to start the therapy almost immediately – during the period of abstinence.
How to Take Xanax?
Xanax is a potent preparation that can cause addiction. That is why it is necessary to take preparation according to the doctor’s prescription. You may use these recommendations as guidelines to have a safe treatment with Xanax.
- Xanax is available in two forms: immediate-release tablets and extended-release tablets. The doctor prescribes a particular form based on the patient’s condition.
- Don’t take more than it is prescribed by your healthcare provider since the overdose may cause a life-threatening effect.
- Don’t crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet because it won’t produce the desired effect.
- It is necessary to take Xanax for a long time. For example, your healthcare provider may recommend you to use the drugs for 4 months to fight anxiety disorder and for 10 months to treat panic attacks.
- Address your doctor as soon as possible if your conditions get worse or you don’t experience any improvement.
- It is necessary to do blood testing to monitor the liver conditions during the treatment.
- Don’t stop using Xanax suddenly since you may experience severe withdrawal effects.
- To discontinue the therapy, your doctor should give you recommendations of how to gradually taper a dose.
- Avoid using alcohol during the treatment since it may result in negative consequences.
- Don’t take Xanax longer than it is prescribed by your doctor since it may cause addiction.
Dosages
Xanax is intended for oral administration. Usually, it is prescribed 2-3 times a day, regardless of food intake. The doctor selects a dose depending on the severity of the syndrome, the individual sensitivity of the patient, and his reaction to the drug.
It is recommended to start with the minimum doses (0.25-0.5 mg/day), then increase it in the evening, and then in the daytime. Elderly and debilitated patients usually use Xanax 0.25 mg 2-3 times a day. A further increase in the dose (up to 0.5-0.75 mg/day) should be used with caution if the drug is well tolerated.
For treating anxiety, the initial daily dose is 0.75-1.5 mg and can be increased to 3-4.5 mg/day.
For treating panic disorders, the doctor may prescribe 0.5 mg 3 times a day, the daily dose can reach 3-6 mg, the highest daily dose is 10 mg.
If it is necessary to discontinue therapy, the dose is gradually reduced by 0.5 mg every 3 days.
Possible Adverse Reactions
Since Xanax is a potent benzodiazepine, it may result in numerous side effects. It is necessary to immediately seek emergency help if you have one or multiple adverse reactions such as:
- allergic or anaphylactic reactions;
- dizziness;
- suspiciousness and hallucinations;
- throat swelling;
- abnormal boost of energy, sleep disorder;
- racing thoughts and flight of ideasaccompanied by an elevated or irritable mood;
- problems with the liver;
- severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain during your period;
- problems with urination
- drug addiction;
- a short spell of flashing or shimmering of light in your sight;
- a condition in which the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes turn yellow.
The most common adverse reactions may include:
- a feeling of wooziness or faintness;
- feeling abnormally sleepy.
Final Word
Xanax is an effective preparation for treating depression, anxiety disorders, and panic attacks. However, you should take it according to your doctor’s prescription to avoid negative reactions and drug dependence.During the period of drug treatment, it is necessary to take caution when driving vehicles and doing other potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration and psychomotor reactions.