iPsychology
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Xanax ( Alprazolam Intensol, Novo-Alprazol )
XANAX XR allows patients to take a single daily dose rather than 3 to 4 times per day with XANAX. About Xanax | Alprazolam Intensol Xanax (alprazolam) is an anti-panic and anti-anxiety medication. Xanax is in the group of drugs known as benzodiazepines, a class of antidepressants, anti-panic agents, and muscle relaxants. Xanax is only available by prescription. Xanax is usually used as a short term treatment for major anxiety and certain phobias. Xanax is not usually necessary to relieve everyday stress or anxiety. Store Xanax away from light and heat. Xanax Side Effects Xanax side effects are usually temporary, and fade with continued treatment. Higher dosage also increases the risk of side effects. Operating automobiles or heavy machinery is not recommended while taking Xanax. Be aware of how this medication affects you before attempting any potentially dangerous activities. Common Xanax side effects: drowsiness, fatigue, light-headedness, or speech problems. Less common Xanax side effects: abdominal cramps, constipation, dry mouth, hyperventilation, blurred vision, nausea, chest pain, change in sex drive, confusion, headache, change in appetite, insomnia, unusual dreams, change in salivation, low blood pressure, racing heartbeat, fainting, nasal congestion, difficulty urinating, sweating, weight change, skin irritation, twitching or tremors, nervous or anxious state, sun sensitivity, respiratory infection, memory impairment, menstrual difficulties, and loss of coordination. Speak to your doctor about any of these effects; your dosage may need to be adjusted or treatment discontinued. Rare Xanax side effects: difficulty concentrating, slurred or unusual speech, double vision, fear, altered sense of taste, lack of inhibition, muscle cramps or spasms, urination problems, tingling, incontinence, warmth, weakness, change in muscle tone, or yellow eyes and skin. Speak to your doctor if you experience any of these effects; your treatment may need to be discontinued. Xanax treatment should be discontinued if any of the following occur: hyperexcitement, muscle spasm, anxiety, hallucinations, rage or other hostile behavior, tremors, insomnia, sleeping difficulties or overstimulation. Cautions: Xanax has been known to interact undesirably with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you have, or have a history of, any of the following conditions:
Dependence: Xanax has been known to be habit-forming. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is discontinued abruptly. Follow your doctor's advice about how much, and how often, you should take Xanax. If you are considering stopping Xanax treatment, ask your doctor how to safely decrease and then stop Xanax. Xanax Interactions Xanax slows the central nervous system, and should be taken with care with medications that do the same thing. When Xanax is taken with certain other medications, the rate of side effects may increase, and the action of either medication may be increased or altered. Certain medications can cause an undesirable build-up of Xanax in the body. Ask your doctor's advice about combining Xanax with any of the following:
Talk with your doctor if you are considering mixing an antidepressant and anxiety medication like Xanax with any other antidepressant, or any medication that may cause drowsiness. Anxiety medication can have increased, unexpected, or severe side effects when mixed with other medications that affect the central nervous system. Stimulants of any type may blunt the effectiveness of Xanax. Xanax Dosages Xanax comes in doses of .25 mg (white oval tablet), .5 mg (pink oval tablet), 1 mg (blue oval tablet), and 2mg (white oblong tablet, scored). The usual starting dose is .25-.5 mg, 3-4 times per day, up to a maximum of 4-6 mg per day, divided among several doses. Xanax should be taken exactly as your doctor recommends. Don't take more or less than prescribed, and don't double your doses if you should miss one. Take your doctor's advice about how quickly or slowly to ease off Xanax treatment if you plan to stop taking it. Xanax should not be started or stopped abruptly, as it strongly increases the likelihood of side effects. If you have a convulsive disorder, or experience severe muscle spasming, abruptly stopping or starting Xanax could increase these effects. Xanax overdose symptoms can include confusion, poor coordination, sleepiness, or coma. Seek medical treatment immediately if you suspect an overdose. Xanax and Pregnancy Xanax is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant. Xanax could cause breathing problems or muscle weakness in an infant. Also, a newborn whose mother had been taking Xanax might experience withdrawal symptoms. Other benzodiazepines, similar to Xanax, have been seen to cause an increase in birth defects. While Xanax has not been demonstrated to be a high risk factor for birth defects, the possibility exists that it could increase their likelihood. Xanax and Children Xanax has not been studied for use in children. Xanax and Seniors Older adults taking Xanax are usually encouraged to start with smaller doses (.25 mg 3-4 times per day) and limit intake to the smallest effective dose. Seniors are more likely to become too heavily sedated, or experience decreased muscle coordination. What Xanax Treats Xanax has been prescribed as a treatment for:
Xanax is a trademark of Pharmacia & Upjohn Do not take ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox) during treatment with alprazolam without first talking to your doctor. • Alprazolam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor. • Antacids may decrease the effects of alprazolam. Separate doses of an antacid and alprazolam by several hours whenever possible. • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with alprazolam. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. Alternative Medication: How it works: Increases the action of GABA.
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