XANAX ALPRAZOLAM PILLS
Xanax Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). Alprazolam affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety.
Xanax Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression.
Xanax Alprazolam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Xanax if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, if you also take itraconazole or ketoconazole, or if you are allergic to Xanax or similar medicines (Valium, Ativan, Tranxene, and others).
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Do not use Xanax if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.
XANAX ALPRAZOLAM PILLS may be habit-forming. Misuse of habit-forming medicine can cause addiction, overdose, or death.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Xanax. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. Alprazolam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person for whom it was prescribed. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
You should not take Xanax Alprazolam if you have:
narrow-angle glaucoma;
if you are also taking itraconazole or ketoconazole; or
if you are allergic to alprazolam or to other benzodiazepines, such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).
To make sure Xanax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
seizures or epilepsy;
kidney or liver disease (especially alcoholic liver disease);
asthma or other breathing disorder;
open-angle glaucoma;
a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior;
a history of drug or alcohol addiction; or
if you also use a narcotic (opioid) medication.
XANAX ALPRAZOLAM PILLS dosing information
Usual Adult Dose of Xanax for Anxiety:
Immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral concentrate:
Initial dose: 0.25 to 0.5 mg orally 3 times a day
This dose may be gradually increased every 3 to 4 days if needed and tolerated.
Maintenance dose: May increase up to maximum daily dose of 4 mg in divided doses
Usual Adult Dose for Panic Disorder:
Immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets:
Initial dose: 0.5 mg orally 3 times a day
This dose may be gradually increased every 3 to 4 days if needed and tolerated.
Maintenance dose: 1 to 10 mg per day in divided doses
Mean dose employed: 5 to 6 mg per day in divided doses
Extended-release tablets:
Initial dose: 0.5 to 1 mg once a day
The daily dose may be gradually increased by no more than 1 mg every 3 to 4 days if needed and tolerated.
Maintenance dose: 1 to 10 mg once a day
Mean dose employed: 3 to 6 mg once a day
Usual Adult Dose of XANAX ALPRAZOLAM PILLS for Depression:
Immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral concentrate:
Initial dose: 0.5 mg orally 3 times a day
The daily dose may be gradually increased by no more than 1 mg every 3 to 4 days.
Average Dose: Studies on the use of alprazolam for the treatment of depression have reported an average effective dose of 3 mg orally daily in divided doses
Maximum Dose: Studies on the use of alprazolam for the treatment of depression have reported to have used 4.5 mg orally daily in divided doses as a maximum.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety:
Immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral concentrate:
Initial dose: 0.25 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day in elderly or debilitated patients
This dose may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated.
Because of increased sensitivity to benzodiazepines in elderly patients, alprazolam at daily doses greater than 2 mg meets the Beers criteria as a medication that is potentially inappropriate for use in older adults. Smaller doses may be effective as well as safer. Total daily doses should rarely exceed suggested maximums.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Depression:
Immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, oral concentrate:
Initial dose: 0.25 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day in elderly or debilitated patients
This dose may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated.
Because of increased sensitivity to benzodiazepines in elderly patients, alprazolam at daily doses greater than 2 mg meets the Beers criteria as a medication that is potentially inappropriate for use in older adults. Smaller doses may be effective as well as safer. Total daily doses should rarely exceed suggested maximums.
Usual Geriatric Dose for Panic Disorder:
Immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets:
Initial dose: 0.25 mg orally 2 to 3 times a day in elderly or debilitated patients
This dose may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated.
Extended-release tablets:
Initial dose: 0.5 mg once a day preferably in the morning
This dose may be gradually increased if needed and tolerated.
Because of increased sensitivity to benzodiazepines in elderly patients, alprazolam at daily doses greater than 2 mg meets the Beers criteria as a medication that is potentially inappropriate for use in older adults. Smaller doses may be effective as well as safer. Total daily doses should rarely exceed suggested maximums.
What other drugs will affect XANAX ALPRAZOLAM PILLS?
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
- cimetidine;
- digoxin;
- fluvoxamine;
- nefazodone;
- ritonavir or other medicines to treat HIV or AIDS; or
- antifungal medicine – fluconazole, voriconazole.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with alprazolam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
