How to use
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water.
Take exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your following dose, take only that dose. Do not double up or take extra doses.
Important Information
Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are certain of how this medication affects you.
Avoid alcohol consumption, alcohol can increase the chance of dizziness or drowsiness.
Stand and sit slowly when taking this medication to avoid dizziness.
Do not stop taking this medication suddenly, or without consulting with your healthcare provider. The dose of this medication should be gradually decreased before stopping to avoid adverse effects that can occur several days after stopping it’s usage.
Make sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the following conditions before taking this medicine
Glaucoma, allergic reactions, pregnancy or breastfeeding, liver or kidney disease, breathing conditions, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson’s Disease, seizure history, depression or psychiatric disorders, porphyria.
Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider
Allergic reaction(hives, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), depression or mood changes, difficulty sleeping or speaking, memory changes, dizziness or fainting, muscle cramps, fatigue, trouble passing urine, any red, blistering or peeling skin, yellowing of the skin or eyes, seizures upon stopping the medicine.
Other Side Effects
Appetite changes, weight gain, constipation, dry mouth, confusion, memory changes, dizziness, lightheadedness, sedation, mood changes, decreased libido.
Dose
Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression
Adults
Immediate release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets or oral solution:
0.25-0.5 mg by mouth 3 times per day. Doses are typically adjusted every 3-4 days. The dose is often decreased by 0.5 mg every 3-5 days before discontinuation.
Geriatric Adults
Immediate release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets or oral solution:
0.25 mg by mouth 2 or 3 times per day. Doses are typically adjusted every 3-4 days. The dose is often decreased by 0.5 mg every 3-5 days before discontinuation.
Panic Disorder
Adults
Immediate release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets or oral solution: 0.5 mg by mouth three times per day. The dose may be increased by 1mg ever 3-4 days.
Extended Release Tablets: 0.5-1 mg by mouth once daily as a starting dose.
Geriatric Adults
Immediate release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets or oral solution: 0.25 mg by mouth 2 or 3 times per day. Doses are typically adjusted every 3-4 days. The dose is often decreased by 0.5 mg every 3-5 days before discontinuation.
Extended Release Tablets: 0.5 mg by mouth once daily as a starting dose.
Uses
Alprazolam(Xanax) acts on the GABA system in your body to relieve anxiety and is most commonly used for conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and depression. This medication can lead to tolerance development, where the patient may require more of the medication to get the previous effect. Patients should not stop taking this medication suddenly.
Resources
1. Xanax (alprazolam) [package insert]. New York, NY: Pharmacia & Upjohn Company; 2013.
2. Niravam(TM) orally disintegrating tablets, alprazolam orally disintegrating tablets. Milwaukee, WI: Schwarz Pharma; 2003.
3. Alprazolam oral tablets, alprazolam oral tablets[package insert]. Peapack, NJ: Greenstone Ltd; 2006.
