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Archive for the ‘Potent Short-Acting’ Category

What is Xanax?

Xanax is Roche’s trade name for the short-acting benzodiazepine drug alprazolam. It is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety associated with depression and panic disorder. It is also used for the specific panic condition of agoraphobia.

Xanax binds to GABA receptors modulating their function and in particular suppressing hypothalamic-pituitary and adrenal function. Like other benzodiazepines, the therapeutic effects of Xanax are derived from a range of anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, hypnotic, anxiolytic and amnesiac properties.

What does Xanax look like?

Xanax is sold in a wide range of different pills of various colors and shapes, ranging in strength from 0.5 to 3 mg. it is also available in extended release pills.

Xanax dosing and administration

The standard starting dose of Xanax for anxiety is 0.25 to 0.5 mg three times daily. Your doctor may increase this dosage incrementally if required to control your symptoms. While higher dosages may be necessary to treat panic disorder, the standard starting dose is 0.5 mg with incremental dosage increases as necessary. The gradual increase of Xanax dosage to an effective level avoids problematic side effects. Elderly patients are more sensitive to Xanax and should be started on a dose of 0.25 mg two or three times daily. Xanax may be taken with or without food.

Common adverse effects from Xanax

The most common side effects of Xanax are drowsiness, which occurs in as many as 76.8% of people, fatigue and tiredness, which occur in up to 48%, and irritability, memory problems and increased appetite which all occur in more than 30% of people. Less common side effects include aphasia, changes in libido, confusion, garrulousness, bizarre dreams, feeling warm, constipation, increase of mucus in the upper respiratory tract, weight fluctuations, anorexia, urinary retention, menstrual problems and dry mouth. More serious side effects which occur rarely include depression, vertigo, fainting, balance problems, suicidal ideation, anxiety or agitation, hostility, hallucinations, jaundice and allergic reactions.

Xanax warnings and precautions

You should inform your doctor before taking Xanax if you have glaucoma, a history of substance abuse including alcohol, depression, liver or kidney disease, respiratory problems or any allergies. You should also inform your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Xanax may cause withdrawal problems if ceased abruptly, so dosage should be tapered gradually when ceasing treatment with this drug.

Interactions with Xanax

Xanax may interact with alcohol, all antidepressants, most antipsychotics, barbiturates and narcotics, some antibiotics and antifungals, cimetidine, delavirdine, nafazodone, oral contraceptives, other benzodiazepines, protease inhibitors, seizure medications, sleep medications and grapefruit juice.

What if I take an accidental overdose of Xanax?

Symptoms of Xanax overdose may include lethargy, confusion, coordination problems, reaction problems, coma, respiratory distress and death. The risk of serious overdose symptoms is increased by taking Xanax in combination with alcohol or other medications which affect the central nervous system. If you suspect that you or someone else may have taken an overdose of Xanax you should seek urgent medical attention. You may be given flumazenil which is an antidote for benzodiazepines.