Xanax Indication
Xanax (Alprazolam) belongs to the class of medicines called benzodiazepines. It is used for the short-term symptomatic relief of excessive anxiety. It is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Xanax (Alprazolam) works by slowing down the brain (central nervous system).
Xanax (Alprazolam) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Xanax (Alprazolam) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Xanax (Alprazolam) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested Xanax (Alprazolam) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Xanax (Alprazolam), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Xanax (Alprazolam) without consulting your doctor.
Do not give Xanax (Alprazolam) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Xanax (Alprazolam) if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Xanax Dosage
The recommended dose of Xanax (Alprazolam) for adults varies depending on its use. The starting dose for excessive anxiety is 0.25 mg taken 2 or 3 times a day. This is gradually increased until anxiety is controlled and side effects are minimized. Elderly patients may be started at a lower dose of 0.125 mg taken 2 or 3 times a day. The usual maximum dose is 3 mg daily.
The starting dose for panic attacks is 0.5 mg to 1 mg at bedtime or 0.5 mg taken 3 times daily. The dose is then gradually increased until there are no more panic attacks.
The dose is usually started low and increased if necessary, as prescribed by your doctor. It is important that the dose be individualized to your specific needs to avoid excessive sedation or motor impairment.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Xanax (Alprazolam) may be habit-forming when taken for long periods of time. If you have been taking Xanax (Alprazolam) regularly for a long period of time (i.e., more than one month), do not stop taking the medication without speaking with your doctor. A gradual reduction in dose is recommended when stopping Xanax (Alprazolam) to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
It is important to take Xanax (Alprazolam) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Xanax and everything we know about it
Xanax is a medication produced by the pharmaceutical company. According to the pharmacological classification, it belongs to anxiolytics. The name of this group of medicines comes from the English word “anxiety”.
This indirectly indicates the range of application of such drugs — phobic, depressive, panic disorders, etc. But at the same time, Xanax is “famous” for its ability to quickly cause addiction, which, on the one hand, requires an increase in the dose to achieve the desired effect, and on the other, causes withdrawal symptoms when you try to give up the drug.
Besides, narcologists are increasingly facing the problem of dependence on this drug – it is sold quite legally (only on prescription, but it never stopped anyone), but its storage and use is not prosecuted by law. Can Xanax be considered a drug? How to recognize the signs of abuse and addiction in your loved ones? And how to deal with such a kind of drug addiction?
What is Xanax? A bit of pharmacology
The main component of the drug is a substance from the benzodiazepine group called alprazolam. Its main therapeutic effects include:
sedative;
sleeping;
soothing;
anti-anxiety (anxiolytic);
myorelaxant (anticonvulsant).
Such a range of therapeutic activity determines the main indications for its use. These are:
anxiety states of different origin, including generalized anxiety disorder;
neurosis;
sleeping disorders;
panic attacks;
tremor, caused by age or other diseases;
depression (simultaneous intake of antidepressants is allowed).
It is noteworthy that Xanax is often prescribed as a part of the complex treatment of drug addiction and alcoholism. At the same time, it is recommended to start the course of therapy almost immediately – during the period of withdrawal.
LIST OF CONTRAINDICATIONS:
elevated intraocular pressure;
respiratory disorders;
severe liver and kidney damage;
pregnancy and lactation period;
allergic reaction to alprazolam or auxiliary ingredients of the drug;
children and teenagers (under the age of 18).
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS:
drowsiness, lack of concentration;
sense of fatigue;
blunt emotional reactions;
digestive disorders, manifested in the form of constipation and sickness;
menstrual irregularities in women and erectile dysfunction in men;
low libido;
skin itching and rash.
There were also reports of the appearance of suicidal thoughts against the background of the long-term use of Xanax. Foreign experts are very cautious in their conclusions. As a convincing argument, they cite the results of the clinical studies and data obtained over almost 30-year experience of practical use of Xanax. However, even the official instructions for the drug published on the FDA website (The United States Food and Drug Administration) indicate that the risk of suicide is increased in patients suffering from depression and panic attacks.
How addiction develops
The duration of addiction formation depends on the reason why the person is taking the pills. If Xanax was prescribed by the doctor, disappearance of symptoms of depression and improvement of mood and general well-being are considered as normal — that was actually the goal of treatment. In such cases (naturally, as long as the doctor’s recommendations regarding the dosage and prohibition of alcohol are followed), addiction is developing slowly and takes about a year.
However, if this anxiolytic is used to achieve emotional satisfaction and euphoria, addiction is forming much faster — a couple of months is enough.
HOW TO AVOID ADDICTION?
Xanax is a strong drug, so it can’t be used solely based on subjective symptoms. The drug can be prescribed only by the subject matter expert (neurologist) after the collection of anamnesis and general examination of the patient to determine the functional activity of the liver and kidneys and to exclude other contraindications.
The drug must be taken in the prescribed amount and mode. At the same time, the pills must be swallowed whole, without chewing or breaking. It was found that for the development of stable physical addiction, Xanax must be taken in a dose that is five times higher than the therapeutically recommended one.
It is important to remember that the whole course of Xanax therapy must be carried out under the constant supervision of a neurologist. You should adhere to the schedule of preventive consultations drawn up by a specialist, contact him/her in case of emergency and always report any changes in your well-being.
Big offers on xanax nowadays
