Usage, Dosage, Side Effects, etc.
Functions & Uses
What is Xanax used for?
Xanax is the brand name for the drug alprazolam, which belongs to the types benzodiazepine drugs. This drug is used to treat psychological problems such as depression, anxiety disorders (anxiety disorder), as well as symptoms of excessive panic attacks ( panic attack).
The way the drug Xanax works is by reducing electrical activity abnormalities in the brain and central nervous system. That way, this drug will have a calming effect.
The way it works which triggers a slowdown in electrical activity in the brain also makes Xanax reduce anxiety and nervous tension in the body. This occurs due to increased activity of a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Other types of drugs similar to Xanax and included in the benzodiazepine type include diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), and flurazepam (Dalmane).
What are the rules for using Xanax?
Follow any directions or recommendations on the packaging. Do not use Xanax in large doses and taken for too long. Consult your doctor, how long you have to take this drug.
Never give or share Xanax drugs to other people, especially people who have a history of drug addiction.
Xanax medicine is consumed orally (taken by mouth), according to the instructions and directions from the doctor. Xanax dosage is generally determined based on why you need to take the drug, your age, and how your body responds to certain medications.
The dose of Xanax may be gradually increased until the drug shows the desired results. You must follow your doctor’s prescription and drinking rules to reduce the risk of Xanax side effects.
Swallow this drug whole with the help of plain water. Do not chew, crush, or inhale the Xanax tablet medication. This drug is formulated to dissolve and slowly release the effect of the drug on the body.
If crushed before drinking, the substances in Xanax will be absorbed by the body at one time, so the risk of side effects increases.
How do I save Xanax?
Xanax is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. The ideal temperature for storing Xanax is 20-25 degrees Celsius.
Do not store this medication in the bathroom or freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.
Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.
Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of this medication.
Dose
In what dosage and preparation is this drug available?
Xanax is a tablet drug that is packaged in the following dosages and sizes:
- 0.25 mg tablets, containing 0.25 mg alprazolam per tablet
- 0.5 mg tablet, containing alprazolam 0.5 mg per tablet
- 1 mg tablet, contains alprazolam 1 mg per tablet
- 2 mg tablets, containing alprazolam 2 mg per tablet
What is the dose of Xanax for adults?
Xanax dosage for people experiencing anxiety disorders:
- Main dosage: 0.25 – 0.5 mg orally 3 times a day
- The dose will be increased every 3-4 days if symptoms persist. The maximum dose is 4 mg of Xanax per day.
For people with excessive panic disorder, they will usually be given doses greater than 4 mg per day. However, this is adjusted to the condition of each patient.
Generally, you will feel the effects of this drug 5-10 minutes after drinking it. The sedative effects of Xanax will usually last about 1 hour.
Xanax should not be taken by patients under 18 years of age
Side effects
What are the possible side effects of Xanax?
The use of this drug can cause several health problems such as:
- Lightheadedness (dizziness)
- Production of saliva increases
- Can change sexual desire
- Fatigue
- Difficulty remembering
- Changes in body weight, weight loss or gain
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Increase or decrease appetite
- Constipation
In some other cases, this drug can also cause side effects such as:
Not everyone experiences side effects when using this drug. There may also be some side effects not mentioned above.
If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Are there any withdrawal symptoms (withdrawal) after stopping Xanax?
Withdrawal symptoms (withdrawal) is a condition when the body stops taking medication or taking certain drugs. Some medicines, including Xanax, cause this effect when they are stopped.
Therefore, doctors will usually reduce the dose of this drug slowly and gradually. Generally, the daily dose of Xanax will be reduced by 0.5 mg every 3 days, depending on the patient’s condition.
Some of the signs and symptoms of withdrawal that appear after stopping taking Xanax are as follows:
- Insomnia
- The head feels light and dizzy
- Anxiety Syndrome
- Tired and lethargic
- Involuntary (uncontrolled) body movements
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Production of saliva increases
- Decreased cognitive abilities
- Memory problems
- Depression and confusion
To avoid the above withdrawal effects, make sure you do not stop medication before Xanax is finished, or adjust the dosage without your doctor’s approval.
Precautions & Warnings
What should be known before using this drug?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to alprazolam or any other benzodiazepine drugs.
In addition, before using this drug, you should inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have respiratory problems, liver disease, kidney disease, glaucoma, and addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Is Xanax safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
Xanax is not recommended for consumption during pregnancy because it can put the baby at risk of being born with a defect. In addition, the baby may experience potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Meanwhile, in mothers who are breastfeeding, this type of drug can be transferred through breast milk to the baby, so breastfeeding mothers are also not recommended to take this drug.
Always consult your doctor or midwife before using any medicine, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
Is Xanax a risk of causing addiction?
Similar to several other types of sedatives, Xanax is a drug that may cause addictive reactions. This is more likely if the drug has been used routinely over a long period of time, or in high doses.
A person who is addicted to the drug Xanax is a person who usually will have a dangerous physical dependence. Addicts tend to continue to take these drugs to relieve pain and aches suffered.
Behaviors that show signs that someone is starting to become addicted to a drug are:
- The desire to use drugs continuously that is difficult to control and stop, even though there is an intention to stop
- Losing interest in activities or activities that you would normally like
- Perform risky behavior, such as driving a vehicle under the influence of the drug Xanax
If you feel the signs above are starting to appear, it means that your body is already experiencing physical dependence. However, you cannot just stop taking Xanax because you are likely to experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
To overcome drug addiction, you can ask your doctor or psychiatrist for help so that the dose of Xanax you are taking can be reduced gradually.
Drug Interactions
What medicines should not be taken at the same time as Xanax?
Drug interactions can change the performance of the drug or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this review.
Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor’s approval.
Several types of drugs that cause interactions with Xanax, namely:
- Anti-fungal medication, sporanox or Nizoral
- Other benzodiazepine types such as Librium, Librax, Klonopin, Tranxene, Valium, ProSom, Dalmane, Ativan, Versed, Serax, Restoril, and Halcion
- Sleeping pills for example, Lunesta, Unisom, Rozerem, Sonata, and Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, or Zolpimist
- Antipsychotic drugs, such as Abilify, Saphris, Thorazine, Clozaril, Prolixin, Haldol, Fanapt, Adasuve, Loxitane, and Latuda
- Antidepressant drugs, such as Elavil, Etrafon, Asendin, Celexa, Anafranil, Norpramin, Sinequan, Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft.
- Anti-seizure drugs, Carbatrol, Tegretol, Depakote or Depakote ER, Depakene, Felbatol, Trileptal, Dilantin, and Mysoline.
- Antibiotic drugs, for example, Biaxin, erythromycin, Mycobutin, rifampin, Priftin, and Ketek
- HIV / AIDS drugs, such as Eyataz, Rescriptor, Sustiva, Atripla, Intelence, Crixivan, Viracept, Viramune, Invirase, Norvir, and Kaletra
- Family planning pills
- Dope
- Anti-allergic drugs
What foods and drinks should not be consumed while using this medicine?
Certain drugs should not be used when eating or consuming certain foods because drug interactions can occur.
Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your doctor.
Foods that will cause unfavorable interactions with Xanax or Xanax XR drugs, namely grapes or grape juice. Grapes are known to interact with Xanax and can cause dangerous side effects.
Are there certain health conditions that Xanax should avoid?
If you have any of the following health conditions, it is not recommended that you take this type of medicine.
- Liver (liver) disease
- Depression
- Seizures
- Obesity
- Respiratory disorders
- Glaucoma
- Kidney illness
Overdose
What are the symptoms of Xanax overdose and what are the effects?
Symptoms that will arise when a person has an overdose of this drug are:
- Fatigue
- Nerve coordination is impaired
- Body relax disorder
- Coma
What should I do in an emergency or overdose?
In an emergency situation or overdose, call 112 or rush to the nearest hospital.
What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you just remember approaching the time to take the next medication, just ignore the missed dose. Continue with the normal schedule for taking medication. Do not use this medication in double doses.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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