Xanax (Alprazolam) is a medicine used for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder. It helps with insomnia caused by anxiety and depression. It is included in the group of medicines called benzodiazepines.

In what dosage should Xanax be used?

The dosage of Xanax varies from person to person. It depends on your age, your gender, and the seriousness of your medical condition. For most patients with anxiety disorder, the dosage is supposed to start with 0.25 to .5 mg every day. The dose may be increased within the interval of 3 to 4 days if necessary. Some patients require the dosage of 4mg and above every day ( gradually increased). For the treatment of a panic disorder, the dose can go above 4 mg. it ranges from 1 to 10 mg every day with a mean of 5-6 mg. The dosage is supposed to be increased gradually and not all of a sudden. Similarly, when trying to stop using Xanax you cannot just leave it, you have to decrease its dosage gradually. You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Xanax that is why a doctor should be contacted before leaving the use of Xanax. If you took high doses of Xanax then the withdrawal symptoms will be more for you compared to someone who took low doses. If you miss a dose then take it when you remember, if it is almost time for the second dose then do not take the missed dose. Do not double dose to compensate for the missed dose as you can overdose and die. Xanax should be stored at room temperature and in a dry place away from heat and light. It should be kept away from children and other animals.

Who should avoid using Xanax?

Xanax is a white-colored oval-shaped tablet and it is not recommended to be used by people under the age of 18. Although it helps treat many patients, however, Xanax can cause severe addiction. People who have a history of substance abuse should avoid having Xanax. Long use of Xanax is not recommended. It might even stop working for some patients. If this happens then a doctor has to be contacted immediately. If you are allergic to any other benzodiazepines ( diazepam, lorazepam etc.) then tell your doctor before starting the treatment. Your doctor should be told beforehand if you have a history of any lung disease, kidney disease, breathing problems, glaucoma, or substance disorder. Pregnant women should avoid using Xanax as it can cause severe harm to the newborn. This medicine also passes down through breast milk and it can cause serious side effects to the nursing infant. Consult a doctor before using Xanax during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Can other medications have an effect on health if used with Xanax?

Medicines like antifungals, medications for HIV, antidepressants, and medications to treat seizures work opposite Xanax. This means that the use of these drugs with Xanax reduces or minimizes the effect of Xanax. If used side by side with these drugs there might be an increase in side effects caused by Xanax. The risk of Shallow breathing, dizziness, or other breathing problems can increase due to the use of other muscle relaxants, birth control pills, antibiotics, anxiety pills, or cough

relievers. If someone has trouble breathing or feel like fainting, they might have overdosed and need medical attention immediately. Liquid or other forms of alcohol should not be taken while using Xanax. Operating heavy machinery, or driving should be avoided during the use of Xanax as it makes you drowsy and light-headed. If you are allergic to benzodiazepines ( lorazepam, Ativan, Valium, Klonopin, Restoril, and others. Do not use the tablet by crushing or chewing it, just swallow it. Usually, Xanax does not take more than 4 months for the treatment of anxiety disorder and no longer than 10 months for the treatment of a panic disorder. Grapefruit might hinder the treatment so avoid grapefruit while using Xanax.

What are the side effects caused by Xanax?

Some common side effects caused by Xanax are drowsiness, lightheadedness, tremor, fast heart rate, confusion, aggressiveness, hostility change in sex drive, dizziness, an increased amount of saliva produced. If any of these side effects worsen then seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is recommended that the patient gets up from the lying position slowly, so the side effects are

minimized. Apart from that, some patients also observe some serious side effects such as memory problems, trouble in speech, jaundice, taste alterations, blurry vision, insomnia, hallucinations, mood swings, seizures, and yellowing of skin and eyes. Tell your doctor right away, if these side effects are seen. It is very rare but some people might get an allergic reaction to Xanax. If you see

redness, itching, rashes, or swelling in your tongue, face, throat get medical attention immediately.

It is clear that the benefits of Xanax outweigh the side effects. However, the side effects should not be taken lightly. It can have fatal side effects if used simultaneously with alcohol, opioids, or any other drugs. The use of prescription drugs is the highest form of drug abuse. The reason being, that they are easily available and are accessible by everyone. It is important to know when to stop using

Xanax as its addiction can be a serious health risk. It should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription and should only be taken in the doses advised by the doctor.