Keep Xanax in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Xanax may harm others, and is against the law. Tell your healthcare provider if you have abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or street drugs. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer time than your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor if you have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol, if you use or have ever used street drugs, or have overused prescription medications. Do not drink alcohol or use street drugs during your treatment.
What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication?
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. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. There have been reports of death in patients with severe pulmonary disease shortly after the initiation of treatment with XANAX.
It’s important to talk with your medical professional before you stop Xanax treatment. If they recommend that it’s safe for you to stop taking the drug, they’ll lower your dosage gradually over time. This should help decrease your risk for withdrawal symptoms.
The following table highlights the basics of the drug’s dosage, with strengths given in milligrams (mg). Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. The display and use of drug information on this site is subject to express terms of use.
Your doctor may prescribe Xanax XR if once-daily dosing is more convenient for you. They may also prescribe this form if your panic disorder symptoms come back or worsen between doses of immediate-release Xanax. Xanax is most commonly prescribed for the short-term treatment of anxiety and anxiety-related conditions, which offers fast relief when symptoms become too intense or overwhelming. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines.
Does Alprazolam Interact With Foods Or Drinks?

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.
2 Management Of Overdose

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.
- Alprazolam produces a calming effect on the brain, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Keep XANAX in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse.
- The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider.
- XANAX is contraindicated in patients receiving strong inhibitors of CYP3A (such as azole antifungal agents), except ritonavir see Contraindications (4).
- Flumazenil may be useful in situations when an overdose with a benzodiazepine is known or suspected.
Alprazolam May Cause Side Effects Tell Your Doctor If Any Of These Symptoms Are Severe Or Do Not Go Away:
Doctors usually prescribe it for short periods of time. 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.