Description

ABOUT

Xanax is a type of benzodiazepine, a psychotropic medication that depresses the central nervous system by increasing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter in the brain. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), “benzodiazepines produce sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures.”

Alprazolam was develop in 1971 by the drug manufacturer Upjohn, and release as Xanax in 1981 to treat anxiety disorders and even stress. Dosage is determine by a person’s age, weight, and condition, and administer in solution form or as a disintegrating, extended release, or regular tablet.

Some health care providers might also prescribe Xanax for depression, insomnia, or premenstrual syndrome, but these are consider “off-label” uses and aren’t approve by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

USAGE

Read the Medication Guide said by your pharmacist before you start taking alprazolam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as said by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Your dose may be gradually increase until the drug starts working well. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely to reduce the risk of side effects.

Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

DOSAGE

The best starting oral dosage of XANAX for the acute treatment of patients with GAD is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg administer three times daily. Depending upon the response, the dosage may be adjust at intervals of every 3 to 4 days. The maximum recommend dosage is 4 mg daily (in divided doses).

Use the lowest possible effective dose and frequently assess the need for continued treatment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Dosage In Panic Disorder
The recommended starting oral dosage of XANAX for the treatment of PD is 0.5 mg three times daily. Depending on the response, the dosage may be increased at intervals of every 3 to 4 days in increments of no more than 1 mg per day.

Controlled trials of XANAX in the treatment of panic disorder included dosages in the range of 1 mg to 10 mg daily. The mean dosage was approximately 5 mg to 6 mg daily. Occasional patients required as much as 10 mg per day.

SIDE EFFECTS

What are the side effects of Xanax (Alprazolam)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Alprazolam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

weak or shallow breathing;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
a seizure;
hallucinations, risk-taking behavior;
increased energy, decreased need for sleep;
racing thoughts, being agitated or talkative;
double vision; or
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

CONCLUSION

Alprazolam is a recently marketed triazolobenzodiazepine. The animal pharmacological data reviewed here suggest a potent anxiolytic action. But, in addition, an antidepressant activity was revealed in clinical studies and subsequently studied in animal assays. As an extension of these activities, alprazolam also displays efficacy in panic and phobic disorders. Data relating to a wide range of pharmacological activities and pharmacokinetics of alprazolam are also reviewed.