Xanax
Anxiety Disorder News
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Video Overview:
What is Xanax?
- Xanax (alprazolam) is a short-acting drug in the benzodiazepine class that is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders. It is also used as an optional, or supportive treatment for people with depression.
- Drug Name: Xanax
- Generic Name: Alprazolam
- Important Information on Xanax
- Indications: panic disorder; panic attacks, anxiety disorder
- Side Effects: drowsiness, memory problems, euphoria
- Warnings: Use carefully in patients with liver disease and elderly patients.
Uses For This Medication
Alprazolam is used to treat:- panic disorders
- anxiety
When this Medication Should Not be Used
- Alprazolam should not be used in patients with allergies to benzodiazepines or with narrow angle glaucoma.
- Alprazolam should be used carefully in elderly patients, obese patients, or those with untreated open-angle glaucoma, liver disease or lung diseases.
Dosing
Adult dose ranges from 0.25mg to 6mg per day, depending on the patient reaction to the medicine and on the reason for use.Overdosing
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.Symptoms of overdose may include:
- drowsiness
- confusion
- problems with coordination
- loss of consciousness
Side Effects
Common side effects of Xanax include:- somnolence (drowsiness)
- euphoria (usually disappears over time)
- fatigue
- memory loss
- appetite changes
- weight changes
- decreased saliva
- diarrhea
- constipation
- nausea
- dizziness
- confusion/disorientation
- nightmares
- rash
- libido changes
- increased saliva
- slurred speech
- muscle cramps
- joint pain
- nasal congestion
- sweating
- ringing in ears
- sleep apnea (trouble breathing at night)
- hypoventilation (respiratory depression)
- difficulty with urinating
- blurred vision
- difficulty in depth perception
- jaundice (yellowing of skin)
- rapid heart beat
- slow heart beat
Drug Interactions
Alprazolam interacts with many types of medications and should be used with caution. If alprazolam is being used with any drugs that could potentially interact, physician monitoring is needed to ensure safety. Examples of drugs alprazolam interacts with are:- certain pain medicines (talk with your healthcare provider for more details)
- seizure medicines like carbamazepine (also known as Tegretol), phenobarbital, or phenytoin (also known as Dilantin)
- alcohol
- certain stomach medicines
- sleep medicines
- depression medicines, including MAO inhibitors
- anti-fungal medicines
- certain antibiotics heart medicines like nicardipine, verapamil cigarette smoke
- grapefruit juice
How This Medication Works
Alprazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.Discussion Points for You and Your Healthcare Provider
Cigarette smoking can make you get less medicine in your body.- Long-term treatment with alprazolam may lead to physical and/or psychological dependence. This usually means that patients do not get as sleepy with continued use, but usually still get relief from anxiety.
- Women who are pregnant should not use alprazolam.
- Elderly persons should be very cautious when using alprazolam due to the possibility of problems with coordination and drowsiness.
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