Because Xanax is sedating, Dr. Dimitriu says he generally asks patients to try their first dose during an afternoon or evening when being sleepy wouldn’t be problematic. “It’s best to be at home and avoid driving, especially early in the course as people learn how the drug affects them,” he says. Therefore, in order to treat the underlying anxiety symptoms, it’s important to receive evidence-supported psychological treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or somatic experiencing therapy. Following oral administration, peak plasma concentration of alprazolam (Cmax) occurs in 1 to 2 hours post dose. Table 4 includes clinically significant drug interactions with XANAX see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3).
These side effects can be dangerous if they occur while you’re driving. Examples of misusing Xanax include snorting or smoking the drug. Both Xanax and CNS depression may lead to side effects such as lack of coordination and drowsiness. So your risk for these side effects is higher than usual if you drink alcohol while taking Xanax.
WARNING: RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS; ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION; And DEPENDENCE AND WITHDRAWAL REACTIONS
If the patient needs a higher dose, it should be given gradually in order to avoid adverse effects. Your doctor can also work with you to find a more sustainable, long-term medication to help soothe any symptoms you’re experiencing and alleviate your desire to use Xanax. Xanax is taken by mouth and absorbed quickly by the bloodstream. Research suggests you may feel the effects of xanax in as little as 30 minutes. Likewise, if you experience signs of withdrawal, you should contact your doctor immediately.
SIMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATIONS
You may be curious about how Xanax compares with other drugs that are prescribed for similar purposes, such as clonazepam. You may wonder how Xanax compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar purposes, such as Valium. If you drink alcohol, it’s best to avoid drinking it while taking Xanax.
Dosage For Generalized Anxiety Disorder
We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional. It’s important to note that medications like Xanax act more like a symptom Band-Aid rather than a cure-all, adds Dr. Dimitriu.
Adverse Effects
Xanax is a potentially habit-forming drug, so some people may develop a dependency or addiction without realizing it. If the drug appears to be having a significant impact on you, you should seek emergency medical attention. The sedating effect can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and calm your body’s response to the anxiety or stress. Unlike some drugs, such as cocaine, that produce a “high” or euphoric feeling, Xanax users describe feeling more relaxed, quiet, and tired. These feelings may lead to falling asleep or passing out for a few hours. The most common side effects of Xanax include drowsiness and light-headedness.
How Should I Store Alprazolam?
Xanax contains the active ingredient alprazolam and belongs to the benzodiazepine drug class. Combining Xanax (alprazolam) with therapy can help create a more well-rounded, holistic approach to effectively manage anxiety and panic disorders. Taking medication may help with symptoms for a bit, but it won’t address and get to the root of the problem, like underlying emotions or stressors, that contribute to anxiety. Xanax is only meant to be used for a short period, because it can lead to dependence and tolerance. Long-term management for anxiety disorders usually includes therapy and other medications, like SSRIs. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you.
GAD is a mental health condition that can affect your daily life and impact your relationships with others. The half-life of a drug is the length of time it takes for half a dose of the drug to be removed from your body. It typically takes between four and five half-lives for a drug to fully leave your system. You should not take pain relievers that contain an opioid with Xanax unless your doctor has approved it.
Xanax Misuse And Addiction
This can happen at any time but is more common after first starting treatment and after a change in dose. Talk to your care team right away if you have changes in mood and behavior or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Other medications may affect the way this medication works.
Therefore, dosage reduction of XANAX is recommended in geriatric patients see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3). Limited data from published literature reports the presence of alprazolam in human breast milk. There are reports of sedation and withdrawal symptoms in breastfed neonates and infants exposed to alprazolam.
- The calming effects of Xanax can make you feel calmer and more able to engage in therapy.
- All these drugs are used to help relieve symptoms of anxiety.
- They did so by analysing the types of drugs sold on 31 cryptomarkets in the USA, UK, Australia and European nations including Germany and Sweden between September 2013 and July 2016.
- If you have questions about the dosage that’s right for you, talk with your medical professional.
More Info For This Drug
If that happens, you may begin to notice it takes longer for you to feel the sedative effects of the drug, and the feelings may wear off more quickly. The effects of Xanax become more significant as the dose increases. You should also avoid combining Xanax with drugs — even over-the-counter ones — that can make you sleepy, slow your breathing, or cause extreme lethargy. Many people who take Xanax recreationally, or without a prescription, describe the feeling as sedating or calming. Working with your healthcare team may help you stay on track with your treatment.
FDA Warnings
XANAX is also indicated to treat panic disorder with or without a fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment (agoraphobia). Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There is an increased risk of respiratory problems and muscular weakness in your baby. Xanax may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant.
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.
Before taking Xanax, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works.
